On-demand handbikes and adult tricycles coming to Waterloo region streets

On-demand scooters and e-bikes are set return to the streets of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo this spring and later this year, more accessible options are expected to be made available to people.

Neuron Mobility, which for the past two years has operated the program that offers the scooters and e-bikes for rent, will add handcycles and adult tricycles to their fleet.

"This will be the first of its kind that we're aware of in Canada where we'll be diversifying the fleet for vehicles for those with mobility impairments," Isaac Ransom, head of corporate affairs with Neuron Mobility Canada, told councillors during a committee meeting on Tuesday.

"Each of these provides a a different need and based on our conversations leading up to the development of this program, these seem to be the two most suitable devices to proceed forward with," he said. "We are excited to bring these to to market this year."

In 2024, Neuron Mobility reported close to 173,700 rides were taken on scooters and e-bikes, totalling over 288,000 kilometers travelled. 

Regional councillors also voted to extend the contract with Neuron Mobility until November 2029, which coincides with the province extending the electric kick-scooter pilot project for an additional five years after it was set to end this year.

The decision made during committee on Tuesday was ratified during a special council meeting later on Tuesday.

In a release following that decision, regional Chair Karen Redman said the program is helping people choose "sustainable travel options" which is helping the region meet its climate action goals.

"For me, it's particularly exciting when we see residents use Neuron to connect with transit, opening up an easy way to quickly move across our city and broader regional community," Redman said.

The scooters and e-bikes are expected to be on the streets in April with the tricycles and handcycles being added later in the year.