As rentable electric scooters become more and more popular in Kelowna, B.C., one company is trying to encourage potential riders.
Together with an updated app, Lime Micromobility announces it has introduced a new initiative — parking wardens — aimed at enhancing scooter parking in the city’s downtown core.
“Our aim is to encourage our riders to park correctly and ride safely,” said company spokesperson Jacob Tugendrajch, pointing out that participating riders who meet the requirements for proper parking will get a free, five-minute ride.
“So as the weather becomes really nice, that can be a pretty big win for some of our riders.”
Lime states that the initiative as part of its program involves mandatory parking zones, where riders will have to leave their scooters.
The zones will be indicated on Lime’s app.
The company states that in 2023, 78,000 riders took more than 555,000 trips on Lime e-bikes and e-scooters in Kelowna.
Compared to 2022, that’s a 190-percent increase in rides and a 67-percent increase in riders.
The company says its updates are designed not only to keep riders safe, but also to reduce clutter along Kelowna streets.
“This is about increasing awareness, it’s about educating riders, and it’s about incentivizing them,” said Tugendrajch.
“We find that when you inform people how to ride safely and park properly, they do it. And so that’s what we’re looking forward to seeing here in Kelowna.”
