The question of whether it is possible to rent an electric scooter or bicycle in Edmonton has long been answered in the affirmative. This type of micromobility has become an integral part of the city's transportation system over the past few years, and today residents and visitors have several affordable options for accessing these services.
Current situation with shared micromobility services
There are currently three major companies operating in Edmonton that offer electric scooter and e-bike rental services. The market leaders are Lime and Bird Canada, which have three-year contracts with the city, signed in 2024. In addition to them, the third player in this market is Neuron. These companies launched their services in Edmonton back in 2019, and since then they have been constantly expanding their presence and improving the quality of their services.
One of the most important changes in the development of this industry was the introduction of year-round operation. While e-scooters and bikes were previously available mainly during the summer months, Lime and Bird can now keep their fleets on the city streets throughout the year, weather permitting. This means that Edmonton residents can use these services even during colder periods when there is not much snow in the city.
How it works
The process of renting an electric scooter or bicycle is extremely simple and accessible to everyone. All you need to do is download the mobile app of one of the companies — Lime, Bird, or Neuron — to your smartphone. Then you need to set up an account by entering your personal details and payment methods. The app allows you to see all available vehicles in your area on an interactive map, with all the details about each scooter or bike, including battery charge and exact distance to them.
When you find the vehicle you want, you can reserve it for ten minutes through the app. This is very convenient because the vehicle will be reserved for you and no one else will be able to take it. Then you need to go to the scooter or bike's parking spot and scan the QR code on the device itself with your cell phone to unlock it. If you don't have access to a smartphone, both Lime and Bird offer alternative ways to unlock.
Lime has a special text messaging service for those without a smartphone: simply send a text message with the word “UNLOCK” to 415-463-3473 and follow the instructions you receive. The company has also offered its users numerous payment options for those who don't have a credit card — this includes PayPal, prepaid debit cards, and even Uber gift cards.
Service geography and city coverage
Although e-scooters and bikes are now available in most areas of Edmonton, the service area still has some limitations. Initially, when the service launched in 2019, bikes and scooters were only available in the city center and the Old Strathcona/White Avenue area. Two years ago, the city expanded the service geography to include most of south Edmonton up to the Whitehorse River, as well as northern and western parts of the city.
However, not all areas were lucky enough to receive this service at the same time. In 2024, the city announced an expansion of its geographical boundaries to the southwest to Anthony-Henday Highway, northern areas and parts of Castle Downs, and east to 50th Street. Despite this official expansion, some neighborhoods, such as Millwoods, still do not have access to these services. Representatives from Lime and Bird have stated that they are willing to expand their services to any areas that the city deems safe and suitable for this type of transportation.
Cost of services
One of the most valuable features of these services is their relatively low cost. Although exact prices may vary depending on the time and volume of the offer, both companies offer flexible payment options. You can pay for each ride individually or purchase three-, seven-, or monthly passes. In addition, both companies often offer various special offers and discounts to their users, including promotions for first rides and loyalty programs.
Lime also has a special program for low-income citizens called Lime Access, which offers significantly reduced rates for those who qualify. This demonstrates the company's commitment to ensuring accessibility for people of different incomes and wealth levels.
Alternative bike rental options
In addition to shared micromobility services, Edmonton residents also have several private companies that specialize in bike rentals. Edmonton Bike Rentals is one of the most well-known companies in this field, offering a variety of high-end bikes for rent for a day or more. The company has a large selection of bikes, including Kona Libre gravel bikes and Specialized Como 3.0 e-bikes, which can be rented for $75 per day for short-term rentals or $60 per day for longer durations.
However, it is important to note that Edmonton Bike Rentals operates on a special system: they require at least three days' notice before booking. The company is located 5 km north of the city center and requires that you contact them by phone or text message before receiving the address and time to pick up the bike.
Another option is River Valley Adventure Co., which offers bike rentals at more affordable prices, starting at $15 per hour or $75 per day for an eight-hour rental. This company is located in a physical store in Edmonton's River Valley, making it quite accessible to residents of the city's central areas.
Remaining questions about seasonality and reliability
One important detail to consider is that shared micromobility services sometimes experience delays at the beginning of the season. For example, in 2024, Lime and Bird returned to the city streets later than usual — at the end of May instead of at the beginning of the season. The reason for this delay was that the city was reviewing the terms of the contracts, changing them from two- to three-year agreements and modifying some rules for greater service flexibility.
Looking ahead, the city promises that contracts signed at the end of 2024 should ensure the timely return of e-scooters and bikes to the streets of Edmonton in 2025 and beyond.
Safety and Regulation
It is important to know that you do not need a special driver's license to ride an e-scooter or bike in Edmonton. However, the provider companies have important rules that all riders must follow. Both Lime and Bird provide safety information to their users in their mobile apps, including information about bike lanes and encouraging responsible parking.
The city is also actively educating users about safety through its websites and social media. In addition, companies conduct special “Safe Streets” patrols to monitor compliance with the rules and encourage users to continue to behave well.
Integration with public transportation
For those who use public transportation in Edmonton, it is worth knowing about the “Bikes on ETS” program (bicycles on the public transportation system). All bus routes in the city are equipped with special bike racks, and you can transport your bike on any bus completely free of charge. Starting in 2021, you can also take bikes on the LRT at any time of day. In addition, ETS has secure covered bike parking at some stations, including Century Park Transit Centre, where parking is available 24/7 with a scan card.
So, renting an e-scooter or bike in Edmonton is not only possible, but also extremely convenient and affordable. Whether you need a service for a short trip through the city center or a long ride through the river valley, the city has numerous options to suit your needs and budget.