E-Scooters making return to Cochrane

The Bird is the word around Cochrane, as Bird Canada Inc. prepares to set up its fleet of electric-powered scooters in town this weekend.

The Town of Cochrane announced on June 23 that Bird's eScooters will be available for public use as of Saturday, June 24. 

The announcement comes after the recent departure of previous eScooter company Roll, which was operating under a two-year pilot project in Cochrane in 2021 and 2022.

"With the recent announcement of shared e-scooter company, Roll, ceasing operations, Cochrane is excited to partner with Bird to carry out the remainder of the pilot project," the Town's press release stated.

In that same press release, Mitch Hamm, community services director for the Town of Cochrane, said the municipality is thrilled to welcome Bird to the community, and cited the personal vehicles as a fun, eco-friendly way to travel around town.

“Supporting Council’s Strategic Plan, this pilot project supports connectivity, vibrancy and livability in Cochrane,” he said. “Whether going to Historic Downtown or travelling along Cochrane’s extension pathway system, residents and visitors can once again enjoy the seasonal e-scooter service.”  

Starting June 24, residents can find select Bird e-scooters located throughout Cochrane with operations ramping up in the following weeks. The accessible eScooters can be activated through Bird’s free mobile phone application. 

“We applaud Cochrane for their commitment to offering convenient, environmentally friendly and reliable transportation options to residents and visitors,” said Austin Marshburn, senior director of government partnerships for Bird Canada Inc., in the release.

For more information, visit Cochrane.ca/escooterpilot.