Kelowna is one of the best summer vacation spots in BC and Canada. This city sees around 1.8 million tourists visit every year (according to Kelowna Tourism) meaning it can be frustrating trying to navigate the busy streets. This means knowing how to get around Kelowna without a car is so important during your visit. Kelowna is built in a valley and is a very bike friendly city. Luckily, you have many good options to get around Kelowna without a car.
Interested in Kelowna? Check out why you should visit now!
Companies in Kelowna have taken advantage of the ride-sharing trend that has skyrocketed around the world and the high gasoline prices. There are two main companies that offer electric scooters and e-bikes for you to rent. They are relatively inexpensive and incredibly convenient – if you can find one around you that is.
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What are the options for getting around Kelowna without a car?
Kelowna has a few different options to get around the city without paying the high gas price. The most interesting and fun option is the electric scooters and bikes that are scattered around Kelowna. Sure you can take the bus ($2.50 will get you pretty much anywhere you want to go), or walk, but you’ll be missing out on the exhilarating experience of riding a scooter or ebike in the summer. There are a few companies that have different ways of getting around Kelowna.
Lime’s website states that “Lime is the world’s largest shared electric vehicle company.”. This company has found a home in “more than 200 cities in nearly 30 countries on five continents.”.
Their four main core principals include: safety, sustainability, community, and innovation. Lime’s website makes it clear that this company is focused on their customers and our planet making your decision to ride with them a good one.
You won’t be able to miss this scooter and bike rental place in Kelowna. Lime has electric scooters and e-bikes all over Kelowna that are ready for you to jump on and ride. These scooters are bright white and green in colour.
You won’t be able to miss this scooter and bike rental place in Kelowna. Lime has electric scooters and e-bikes all over Kelowna that are ready for you to jump on and ride. These scooters are bright white and green in colour.
Unfortunately, Spin is no longer available in Kelowna.
This company has been around since 2017 and its headquarters is in San Francisco. According to its website, Spin is in more than 70 “cities and campuses around the globe” with the majority of its locations in the United States. Their blog has 33 pages of articles ranging from calling out jaywalking laws to the company’s stance on the Row vs. Wade ruling in the United States of America.
The Spin website has many videos in different languages to help you throughout your time scootering and cycling. There is even a quiz you can take for a promo code (if you score 100%). You’ll also find information about what you should “know before you go”, “your first ride” and how you can keep yourself and others safe. There is also a “Help Center” where you can find information ranging from “Scooter FAQ’s” to “Parking Rules”.
How To Get Started?
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Lime: RQTBV6V (we both receive $3 when you start riding)
It’s so easy to scoot and ride in Kelowna. Honestly, starting your scooter and ebike riding journey is as easy as taking a picture with a smartphone. Each scooter and e-bike has a unique barcode that, when scanned, takes you directly to their company’s app.
Once the app is downloaded and you’ve created an account you are ready to start your journey. Simply walk up to an e-bike or scooter and scan the QR code on the handlebars. This will give you information about the electric vehicle including its range, price and availability. When you’re ready to ride simply click on the reserve or ride button.
Looking for some road trip through BC ideas? Check out our top 8 stops in BC!
How much does it cost to rent a scooter or e-bike in Kelowna?
Renting a scooter in Kelowna is less expensive than you may have thought. Even though buying an electric scooter is expensive, renting one is not. Either company has a similar payment structure. There will be a startup fee and then a charge per minute of use.
Scooter price: $3.50 for first 7 minutes, then $0.35/min + tax
e-bike price: $1 to start, then $0.35/min + tax
Scooter price: $1 to start, $0.35/min + tax and fees
e-bike price: $1 to start, $0.35/min + taxes and fees
How safe are electric scooters and e-bikes?
These scooters for adults are not like the Razor scooters of our childhood. Even though their top speed is limited they are still very fast and agile.
Safety for riders and the public is one of the biggest issues surrounding e-ebikes and e-scooters. If you ask the hospital you’ll quickly find out that injuries are common with the electric ride sharing trend. Every electric scooter and bike comes with a helmet that we recommend wearing for your protection.
If you follow the rules and don’t ride aggressively, or aren’t intoxicated, this is a safe way of getting around Kelowna without a car. Each escooter and ebike is speed regulated in some areas of Kelowna, like downtown and along the waterfront, where there is usually lots of people.
Where can I park the escooter and ebikes in Kelowna?
You can park your scooter rental or bike rental wherever you want, as long as you follow some basic rules.
Lime’s app has these recommendations for parking:
- “Help keep sidewalks accessible to all by parking responsibly”
- “Parkin a secure, upright position in line with benches, trees, poles, or bike racks.”
- “Never block pedestrian travel, entrances, driveways, bus stops, accessibility zones or service ramps.”
The map in Spin’s smartphone application has recommendations on where to park and will even credit your account a small amount if you park in one of their hotspots. These zones are places that have high traffic and will save the company money from relocating their bikes and scooters.
Where can I ride a scooter and ebike in Kelowna?
You are able to ride these fun forms of transportation on streets, bike lanes and some sidewalks. There are areas where the ebikes and escooters will be speed limited and they will let you know of this by making a loud obnoxious noise. You’re also not allowed to ride on the sidewalks and can face a $10 fine if you do. The scooter will beep loudly if it detects that you’re on the sidewalk as well.
The cool thing about the rideshare applications is that they will tell you how much range the scooter or bike has remaining. This allows you to plan your trip without range anxiety.
Where are the best Kelowna scooter and cycling trails?
Kelowna is one of the most beautiful places in the world, in our humble opinion. There are many mind blowing cycling trails that will keep you entertained for hours.
- We love the waterfront in downtown Kelowna. It’s usually quite busy in the summer but is definitely worth a ride or scoot.
- Abbott Street has a dedicated, tree lined bike and walkway path. You’ll pass many “secret” beach access points that only the locals know exist.
- The Mission is one of the hidden gems of Kelowna. It has many amazing places to eat, beaches and parks.
- Mission Creek Greenway connects the Mission to West Kelowna. This is one of the most beautiful places in Kelowna. The gravel pathway follows Mission Creek northwest all the way to Orchard Park Mall.
No matter where you decide to ride you will be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to get around Kelowna without a car or truck.
Have you tried the electric scooters or e-bikes in Kelowna? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!
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