If you live in Saint John, you already know the purple Move electric scooters. Now, the company has expanded to Fredericton. The sudden arrival caught city officials off guard. Fredericton currently has no bylaws to regulate the app based rentals.

A Surprise for City Council

Jason LeJeune chairs the Fredericton council mobility committee. He says the arrival of the rental scooters surprised him.

“We really didn’t know they were coming,” LeJeune said. “This isn’t something that we regulate. The mobility committee certainly wouldn’t regulate businesses.”

The scooters operate without a central pickup location. Users find them through an app and leave them wherever they finish their ride. LeJeune notes the company operates legally within existing bylaws. However, the city lacks specific rules for where riders can travel or park.

Looking to Saint John and Moncton

Fredericton officials plan to look at neighboring communities for guidance. Since Move already operates in Saint John and Moncton, those cities provide a blueprint for regulation. LeJeune says the city will review how these municipalities handle the rentals if the scooters remain in Fredericton.

How the Technology Works

Steven McArthur runs Move. He says the company uses virtual GPS boundaries to control the scooters. The technology automatically slows or stops the vehicles in restricted zones and caps speeds at 25 kilometers per hour.

“We’re zoning the entire city,” McArthur said. “As soon as the scooter gets into a certain zone, the scooter will do whatever that zone says.”

Move also uses artificial intelligence to review photos submitted by riders. This ensures users park the scooters properly. Repeat offenders receive warnings, face small fines, or get banned from the app.

The Helmet Debate

Move does not currently provide helmets with its rentals. McArthur says the company plans to introduce a helmet locking system soon. For now, LeJeune says the responsibility falls on the riders.

“It comes back to enforcement,” LeJeune said. “You’re hoping that most people are gonna do what’s in their best interests, and make good choices when it comes to their personal safety and personal protection.”

Mixed Reactions from Residents

Fredericton residents share mixed feelings about the new transit option. Landon MacDonald has lived in the city for eight years and welcomes the scooters.

“It’s a great way to get around in Fredericton,” MacDonald said. “We have a massive hill you gotta get up every day and nobody likes walking up that.”

Jill Kruse supports the concept but wants the city to step in.

“I think it’s kind of difficult, but I think they should be considering regulations,” Kruse said.

LeJeune encourages residents to contact their councilors and city staff with feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Move electric scooters currently operate in New Brunswick?

Move operates its app based electric scooters in Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton.

How fast do the scooters go?

The scooters have a speed cap of 25 kilometers per hour and use GPS boundaries to slow down or stop in restricted zones.

Do you need to wear a helmet?

The city expects riders to wear helmets for personal safety. Move plans to introduce a helmet locking system soon.

How does the company ensure proper parking?

Move requires riders to submit a photo of their parked scooter. Artificial intelligence reviews these photos to confirm proper parking. Repeat offenders face fines or bans.