Exciting new e-bike share program coming to Nanaimo

The City of Nanaimo launched its first e-bike share program in partnership with BCAA’s Evolve E-Bike Share. The 2024 pilot program aims to improve transportation in Nanaimo by providing residents with a new, convenient, sustainable, and affordable mobility option.

Beginning with 16 Parking Zones strategically located throughout Nanaimo's downtown area, in the Old City Quarter, recreational spots like Maffeo Sutton Park and Bowen Park, as well as key commercial and residential centres, the program will gradually expand to cover more areas such as Vancouver Island University and the Hospital. BCAA plans to expand the service to the BC Ferries Terminal and Hullo Ferry Terminal by summer.

With a fleet size of 100 e-bikes planned for launch this year, residents can easily access these electric bicycles through the free Evo app. After downloading the app, simply sign up, locate an available e-bike, unlock it by scanning the bike's QR code, don a helmet (available in each Evolve E-Bike basket), and start riding. Whether for a quick trip or a leisurely ride, riders can pay by the minute or hour, or opt for a monthly subscription to enjoy reduced rates.

"We're thrilled to expand Evolve E-Bike Share to Nanaimo this summer, with further plans to reach more communities across the Island. In collaboration with the City of Nanaimo, we're proud to support the city's goal of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050, promoting active transportation as a key solution. It’s exciting to bring Nanaimo residents an affordable and convenient e-bike share option as a new and more eco-conscious way to commute and get around. Nanaimo is a major milestone in our journey to expand e-bike share service into Vancouver Island communities, reaffirming our commitment to building a brighter, cleaner future for British Columbians on the go," says Leanne Buhler, Head of Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share at BCAA.

"The launch of the Evolve E-Bike Share program marks a significant step forward in our city's journey towards sustainable transportation solutions. By providing residents with accessible and eco-friendly mobility options, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also enhancing the overall livability of Nanaimo. I commend the collaborative efforts of all involved in making this initiative a reality and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community," says City of Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.

To kick off the program with a bang, the City of Nanaimo, in collaboration with BCAA, will be offering an exciting launch promotion. Starting May 8, the first 1,000 new Evo members will receive 30 free minutes of e-bike ride time by using promo code NANAIMO when signing up on the Evo app or at www.evo.ca.* This promotion underscores the city's commitment to promoting sustainable transportation and encouraging residents to embrace eco-conscious commuting habits.

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For further information or to set up an interview, please contact:

Communications
Media Requests
City of Nanaimo
250-751-4251
MediaRequests@nanaimo.ca

About Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share

Evolve is a turnkey, zero-emission micromobility share program that offers e-bike and e-scooter share services in British Columbia. Created by BCAA and operating alongside Evo Car Share, Evolve is operating public e-bike share programs at Whistler, SFU Burnaby and New Westminster, and is expected to launch in locations on Vancouver Island this summer. Evolve is also available to private businesses in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Whistler. Businesses, organizations, or municipalities interested in learning more about Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share can reach out to evo.ca/evolve.

About BCAA

Driven by its purpose to move British Columbians forward, BCAA (British Columbia Automobile Association) provides over 1 in 3 B.C. households with industry leading mobility and protection services including Membership, Insurance, Evo Car Share, and Auto Service. It is one of Canada’s most trusted brands in association with CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) and a long-standing BC Top Employer (Mediacorp). BCAA invests to build stronger, connected communities across BC and holds itself accountable to its purpose by setting goals related to its impact on People, the Planet and Prosperity, and sharing results in its annual Impact Report.