Neuron Mobility scooters could get an extension in Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region residents took 170,000 rides on Neuron Mobility scooters and e-bikes since 2023. CTV’s Ashley Bacon finds out why staff hope to keep it going.

The Region of Waterloo could extend a popular e-scooter and bike program.

Since launching in 2023, regional staff said residents took 170,000 rides on Neuron Mobility scooters.

A report on the program will be presented to council next week, supporting the expansion and extension of the electric vehicle program.

“It provides a mobility option,” said Doug Spooner, acting commissioner with transportation services at the Region of Waterloo. “We’ve shown a user base, it’s interested. We’ve shown improving safety statistics in our ability to work with our partners to share those messages, so I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to continue.”

Staff are also looking to add a new accessible fleet of tricycles.

The Neuron Upright Bicycle would have special features including a folding handle post, adjustable seat post and folding rear baskets.

“Working with Neuron to push forward into a bit of a new frontier for them and for us, in terms of not only how do we introduce the style of vehicle, but also placement around the region and how we’ll manage that. I’m excited to see it,” Spooner said.

A separate report found that the fleet travelled 660,000 kilometres in the region since 2023, eliminating approximately 30 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

“When we think about sustainability in the environmental lens, we really want to give everybody an opportunity to travel in the way that they want,” Spooner explained. “This is about customer choice, and so a program that does that in a way that is respective of the environment is just another way to do that.”

If approved, the Neuron Mobility project will run April 1 through to Oct. 31 each year, until the new contract expires in 2029.