The City of Red Deer is accepting applications from e-scooter companies to participate in its pilot program.
Council approved an open market option, meaning there will be no caps on the number of businesses that can apply to the program or the number of e-scooters the businesses can bring into the pilot.
According to a news release, the city believes that format will allow the market in Red Deer to determine the demand.
“We are excited to see the e-scooter companies’ plans and ideas on how to bring e-scooters to our city this summer,” said Amy Fengstad, parking and licensing supervisor.
Red Deer is hoping to have applications in as soon as possible for a quick implementation, with the expectation to have approvals granted by mid-June.
Successful applicants could launch when they have received their approval or are fully ready to roll out their program.
The pilot will run from July 1, 2021 until October 31, 2023 for the summer months. Through public feedback and data collection, the city will determine whether and under what circumstances e-scooters will be permitted to continue operating after the pilot ends.
For the trial period, e-scooters will only be permitted to be used on trails and sidewalks.