SCOOTY E-scooters and E-bikes return to Markham

Markham residents and visitors will once again see a familiar fleet of sleek bright yellow and black vehicles rolling through the streets of Downtown Markham.

SCOOTY, a Canadian shared micromobility provider, has officially relaunched its E-scooters and E-bikes in the City of Markham for a second consecutive year, bringing up to 100 emission-free vehicles back into the community through October 31.

The initial pilot was introduced in 2024 through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network Demonstration Zone. Due to its success and strong public demand, SCOOTY has been invited back to launch operations in partnership with the City of Markham, Destination Markham – the City’s tourism arm – The Remington Group – community builder and property developer of Downtown Markham – and York University’s Markham Campus.

Together, they aim to provide affordable, efficient, and environmentally-friendly, short-distance travel for residents, students, workers and visitors alike. This year’s pilot will continue to serve Downtown Markham, focusing on collecting data, getting feedback from the public and integrating with transit, property and municipal infrastructure.

Users can download or update the newly refreshed SCOOTY mobile app to get started. Here’s how to ride: Find a SCOOTY using the app’s map to locate the nearest vehicle. Scan the QR code to unlock your ride. Start your ride by putting on your helmet and flicking the kickstand back. Gain momentum with a push off the ground, then start pedaling or throttle. When it comes time to park, use the app map to locate a designated parking zone and return the vehicle on its kickstand. Swipe to end the ride and upload a photo of your properly parked SCOOTY.

Riding rules are unchanged from last year. Riders must be 16 years or older and always wear a helmet. Sidewalk riding is prohibited: use bike lanes or multi-use trails. One rider per vehicle and riding under the influence is prohibited. Park only at one of 11 designated zones. The current service area is Downtown Markham only, within the boundaries of Kennedy Road, Hwy. 7, Warden Avenue and Hwy. 407.

Riders can access the Help Centre in the app for support or email [email protected]. Tag @ridescooty on social media for a chance to earn free ride credits.

Also in Downtown Markham, the next time you order in, don’t be surprised if your dinner rolls up on six wheels. Markham is the first community in Canada to launch autonomous delivery robots through a ground-breaking partnership between RealLife Robotics and SkipTheDishes.

But the launch isn’t just about cutting-edge technology – it’s about supporting small businesses and reimagining the future of urban living, The Remington Group reports. The forward-thinking solution directly addresses challenges faced by local restaurants, including labour shortages and rising third-party delivery fees, it adds. The list of participating restaurants currently includes Milestones Grill and Bar, South Street Burger, Grande Burrito, Aroma Espresso Bar, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Kiu Japanese Restaurant, Patisserie Fleur and Cineplex VIP Cinemas.

Photo courtesy of The Remington Group.