Birds will be popping up around town this spring.
The City of Vernon has selected Bird Canada as the e-scooter and e-bike provider for the shared micromobility service.
This means Neuron's bright orange e-scooters will not be making a return to city streets.
According to city staff, Bird was the best choice in a "competitive" field of offers.
"There was a public bid, and Bird came out on top," said Vernon transportation manager Danielle DeVries. "Part of the reason was their advanced technology, and promised technology to address issues such as parking, mis-parking and response time."
DeVries also added that discounted and free rides for "people in the community in need of that" are expected, another reason Bird won the bid.
The contract includes the option to extend for three additional one-year terms, aligned with the B.C. government鈥檚 electric kick scooter pilot, which runs until April 5, 2028.
"The renewal date every year is so we can have a conversation about reaching targets throughout the year to hold the company accountable to the program," said DeVries. "Bird also has promised an increase in e-scooters and e-bikes in the community, which was the only company to do so."
"Deployment of devices will begin once weather conditions permit, likely in the spring," city staff said in a report to Vernon council.
Orange has dotted the city's sidewalks with Neuron e-scooters and e-bikes until now.
