Winter weather not stopping ZIP e-scooters from expanding their operations in Kelowna

Expansion of ZIP electronic scooter rentals to UBCO was delayed by heavy snow earlier this week but the machines were set up yesterday, Jan. 8, and will keep operating through the winter, except during snowstorms.

ZIP is one of four electric scooter companies that were operating in Kelowna last year as part of the city’s ride share program. Each was required to keep some scooters available for rent until it snowed.

ZIP may be the only one that continued operating through December and into January and has now expanded to UBCO.

“We don't recommend them in the snow,” ZIP founder Luke Mydlarz told iNFOnews.ca in an email. “They just get stuck if in deep powder.”

The e-scooters are limited to certain trails while awaiting word from the provincial government on whether laws will be changed to allow them on roads or in bike paths on a trial or permanent basis.

The company has upgraded its app and conducted a survey of users, learning that many people want the service expanded and would like to be able to use scooters to commute to and from work.

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