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Roll e-scooter (rdnewsNOW file photo)
July 2022 launch

E-scooter pilot project rolling into Lacombe

Jun 14, 2022 | 7:00 PM

E-scooters will soon be coming to the city of Lacombe, perhaps as early as this July.

Lacombe city council approved a pilot project from Roll Technologies Inc. (Roll) to launch a new shared micro-mobility program in the community, starting this summer.

Council’s endorsement permits Roll to pilot their e-scooters in Lacombe for a period of two years, at their own cost.

“Council is excited to approve this project, allowing Roll’s e-scooters into our community,” said Mayor Grant Creasey. “This unique transportation model has proven popular, convenient, and functional in many communities throughout the country, and I am confident our residents will benefit from this new transportation option. I look forward to seeing our citizens safely use these e-scooters throughout our paths, sidewalks, and roads.”

The approval stipulates that e-scooters can travel no faster than 20 km per hour and are allowed on paved trails, empty sidewalks, and roadways with a speed limit of 50 km per hour or lower. Scooters are not permitted on highways, and users must be over the age of 16.

The e-scooters operate using the Roll app, where users scan a QR code to gain access to a scooter. Riders are then permitted to drive anywhere within the designated service area and subsequently park the scooter anywhere within that same area. Roll said they will work with the City to determine:

  • Slow-speed zones
  • No-ride zones
  • No parking zones

To ensure safety, officials say riders can request a free helmet shipped to them via the Roll website and Roll also uses cognitive tests to prevent drunk driving.

The City says a patrol team will be seen throughout Lacombe relocating improperly parked scooters and ensuring e-scooters throughout the city are charged.

Officials say Roll has also committed to promoting local businesses through sharing advertisements, offers, and promotions via their app.

The City states it is currently working on a launch day with Roll and estimates they will be available in Lacombe this July.

Further updates on the pilot project can be found on the City’s website and social media channels.