The City of Kelowna has lost another shared e-scooter service provider after the implementation of new restrictions on the program.

Bird Canada has suspended its operations in Kelowna, citing restrictions city council endorsed at its June 14 and 28 meeting as the reason.

91裸聊视频淎fter spending considerable time and resources to ensure compliance with the latest local regulations, it became clear that the program was neither operationally tenable nor economically viable,91裸聊视频� Bird said in an emailed statement to the Capital News.

Bird lasted just a little more than two months in Kelowna, entering the city91裸聊视频檚 shared e-scooter scene as the fourth operator in late May.

READ MORE: Kelowna council slashes e-scooter fleet size

READ MORE: Massive apartment complex proposed for Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 Dilworth Centre

The city91裸聊视频檚 new mobility specialist Matt Worona said that around 300 scooters remain in the city after the latest round of restrictions, a significant cut from early June when almost 1,000 were roaming the city daily. Only two of the four approved operators are still running in the city, Lime and Roll, each capped at a 150-scooter fleet. Zip pulled out of the shared-mobility program in June, instead opting to offer daily rentals of its fleet.

Initially, city staff anticipated only one company would be able to meet the July 1, deadline they91裸聊视频檇 set out for operators to comply with the new rules.

91裸聊视频淲e knew a smaller field of companies was likely,91裸聊视频� he said.

With fewer scooters on the streets, Worona said, there have been fewer complaints 91裸聊视频� just as the city hoped when introducing new restrictions. As with any mode of transportation, however, it won91裸聊视频檛 be without its flaws.

91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e not going to see perfect behaviour out of all these riders. I think you91裸聊视频檇 be hard-pressed to find a travel mode that has that,91裸聊视频� he said.

Despite the decrease in availability, Worona says ridership levels remain strong. Worona said one company reported that each of its scooters is used for 12 trips daily on average.

91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檝e seen really, really high utilization as we91裸聊视频檝e moved the fleet down,91裸聊视频� Worona said. 91裸聊视频淚t speaks to the demand for this service.91裸聊视频�

Those fleets still have the chance to grow to meet demand, but Worona said companies first need to show their riders are well-behaved and they are adhering to the city91裸聊视频檚 restrictions.

Despite having to pull out of the program, Bird said it has shared its recommendations on the program with the City of Kelowna and would welcome the opportunity to reapply if it comes up.

91裸聊视频淎s a Canadian-owned and operated micro-mobility company, we believe there is a future for shared e-scooters in Kelowna.91裸聊视频�

michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on , follow us on and subscribe to our daily .