Bird Canada has launched an e-scooter pilot program in Toronto’s Distillery District that will run from Sept. 5 to Sept. 15, and will operate from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Using a virtual barrier known as a geofence, the pilot will take place in a contained area within the Distillery District.
While e-scooters are not yet approved for use by the province of Ontario, the pilot will provide visitors, tenants and residents in the privately-owned Distillery District with an opportunity to take the e-scooters for a test ride, learn and practice micro-mobility vehicle basics, speak with Bird representatives and receive Bird swag.
“We see e-scooters as an important transportation option for our tenants, as well as those who are visiting, working and living in key cities across Canada, and are very pleased that we could help facilitate this pilot through our collaboration with Bird Canada,” said Gordon Wadley, senior vice president, Commercial Properties at Dream.
The Distillery District – which is home to many cafes, restaurants and shops housed within heritage buildings of the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery – is co-owned by Dream, an investor in Bird Canada through Alate Partners (a real estate technology initiative of Dream and Relay Ventures).
“The response we’ve received following the launch of our Bird e-scooters in Calgary and Edmonton has been incredible,” said Stewart Lyons, CEO of Bird Canada. “So, what better way to give those living in or visiting Canada’s largest city a taste of what is hopefully to come once e-scooters are approved for use in Toronto than to run a brief pilot in Canada’s premier arts, culture and entertainment destination.”
The easy to use and fun to ride Bird One e-scooters are built with semi-solid tubeless wheels that deliver a smooth, comfortable and controlled ride. Those that participate in the pilot will also receive safety information outlined within Bird Canada’s s.h.a.r.e tips for safe riding.
