Squamish is set to become one of the most bike-friendly towns in the region with the launch of its new e-bike share program. Starting in early May, 75 e-bikes will be distributed across 17 locations, including the Mamquam Blind Channel boardwalk, Squamish Public Library, and Squamish Adventure Centre.
Key Features of the Program
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- Download an app to access the e-bikes
- Ride for $0.35 per minute
- End your trip at any of the locations
- Speed limits of 25 kilometres an hour
- No-ride zones to prevent e-bikes from being used on mountain biking trails
- Geofence zone to prevent e-bikes from entering restricted areas
- All-day use available, but pricing is set up for short trips
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The e-bike share program is designed to provide a flexible and affordable way for people to get around town. Users can download an app and access the e-bikes at any of the designated locations. The program is set up for short trips, with an average trip lasting under five kilometres and taking around 15 minutes.
Safety Measures
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| Speed Limits | 25 kilometres an hour |
| No-Ride Zones | Mountain biking trails and bike parks |
| Geofence Zone | Restricts e-bikes from entering restricted areas |
The safety features of the e-bikes include speed limits of 25 kilometres an hour, which makes them comfortable for new users and novice users. The e-bikes also have a geofence zone that prevents them from entering restricted areas, such as mountain biking trails and bike parks.
Council Comment
At their general council meeting on April 15, councillors expressed their excitement about the new e-bike share program. “I plan on taking many trips on it, and look forward to having an additional option for folks to get around in our community,” said Coun. Jenna Stoner. Mayor Armand Hurford echoed the same opinion, stating that he recognizes the e-bikes are not a solution for everybody but for those who are interested, they will soon have a new way to get around the community.
Evolve E-Bike Share Program
The e-bike share program has operated in Whistler for four years, and its success is what led to the expansion to Squamish. “We’ve always had this vision of expanding all of the e-bike shares across the province and in different regions,” said Leanne Buhler, Head of Evolve E-Bike Share. “We’ve been having conversations with the district of Squamish for a couple of years, actually, to find the right time and to make sure that they were ready to welcome the bikes into their community.”
Getting Involved
For more information on the program, visit the Evolve website. “ It is a shared e-bike system where people can download an app and then walk up to any of the e-bikes that are in the community, and start their trip from the app,” said Leanne Buhler, Head of Evolve E-Bike Share.
“They can ride around for $0.35 per minute, and end their trip in any of the locations when they’re finished their ride. So, what this does is it gives people a super flexible way to get around the community.
