Canadians across the country are embracing active transportation and a more planet-friendly lifestyle. In particular, many are turning to battery-powered micro-mobility devices (BPMM) to get them to and from work, to the ice cream parlour and grocery store, to the library and beyond.
In addition, hospitals and long-term care homes are engaging in practices that support patients, clients and employees taking part in the burgeoning BPMM economy and lifestyle.
Martin and Olivia (pictured above), from Hillside Pines Home for Special Care in Bridgewater, NS are among the thousands of happy Canadians who are enjoying time with modern BPMM devices and enjoying the many benefits they bring.
While precise definitions vary, typically BPMM refers to small, low-speed, lightweight vehicles and devices, powered by a battery, usually travelling below speeds of 32 kilometres per hour, and convenient for travelling short distances. The BPMM category includes electric bikes (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), electric cargo bikes and battery-assist trishaws.
With the assistance and collaboration of over two dozen leading organisations from within the Canadian health sector, industry and academia, and funding support from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI), the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care (the Coalition) has been able to develop an extensive portfolio of BPMM collateral for use by health care organisations and advocates seeking to enhance the development and adoption of BPMM policies and practices while improving their understanding of the many benefits and opportunities that accrue from their use.
In support of Canada’s climate target of cutting emissions by 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the Coalition’s team has created numerous sector-specific awareness and educational documents including case studies, health care employee user profiles, fact sheets on a variety of BPMM topics, a benefits video, three webinars (recordings of which are available on the Coalition YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ccghc ), a training PowerPoint for in-house advocates and senior leaders, an infographic and an environmental scan highlighting BPMM’s current status within the sector.
The Coalition’s executive director, Dr. Myles Sergeant, says, “This project has been a tremendous way for our Coalition team and collaborators to learn more about the challenges and opportunities inherent in the world of battery-powered micro-mobility and we hope the newly-created health care-specific resources will be both appreciated and used by our colleagues as they adapt and embraces this intriguing new technology.”
At the commencement of the project, a short survey was deployed to gather information on the current state of BPMM understanding within the sector, and to assist in developing practical educational documents to help increase public awareness, knowledge and confidence in zero-emission mobility devices while accelerating the adoption of these solutions in Canada’s health sector. This data was supplemented with findings from the Coalition’s recent Green Hospital Scorecard (GHS) survey (https://greenhealthcare.ca/ghs/).
In sum, 73% of GHS responding sites revealed they provided storage options such as locked cages for cyclists while only 27% had storage options specifically for BPMM devices. Only three percent provided storage options with electric chargers. However, 20% did indicate they were considering introducing BPMM storage facilities within the next two years.
For those currently without BPMM storage and not considering their installation, the main reasons cited were low/no users (34%), lack of available space (10%), and cost (9%).
A low number of hospitals claimed to encourage alternative modes of transportation for work commutes, with only 36% encouraging the use of active transportation such as cycling, and even fewer (11%) encouraging the use of BPMM.
For those that responded in the affirmative, incentives provided to staff, to encourage the use of these devices, included the installation of secure storage areas with free usage, offering charging stations in storage areas, and lending support for events such as ‘bike to work week’ and the ‘clean commuter challenge.’
Findings recently released from the project’s initial survey indicate a high proportion of the 157 respondents worked in hospitals (64%) and had varied backgrounds: nurses, medical students, pharmacists, physicians, physiotherapists, CEOs, environmental coordinators, and laboratory technologists. Six percent claimed to be BPMM experts while 55% admitted they were either a ‘novice’ or had ‘some knowledge’ of BPMM. Further, 24% said they owned a BPMM device, with 16% owning an e-bike and 8% being e-scooter owners. Of respondents owning BPMMs, 46% use their device to get to and from work and 40% cited leisure purposes
When questioned about perceived benefits and drawbacks to BPMM ownership, 22% cited their environmentally-friendly nature and cost savings (19%) compared to owning an automobile.
Additional benefits included increased health positivity (10%) and ease of travel/commute (10%), particularly for the elderly and those with health/mobility limitations. The ‘other’ benefits included perceived quietness, encouragement of non-car infrastructure, and BPMM being easy to learn to use.
The most common perceived drawback was safety and the potential for injury to riders and pedestrians (22%). Safety concerns included lack of helmet use and training, people not abiding by rules and regulations (i.e., riding on sidewalks), and fear of encounters with cars due to absence of bike lanes. Lack of infrastructure such as bike lanes, storage and charging option was the second most common drawback (19%).
Survey responses revealed that while low numbers of Canadian health care workers actually own or rent BPMM devices, many acknowledge the environmental, health, and practical benefits inherent in the adoption of BPMM. Responses also indicated a high need for education, improved safety and additional infrastructure to support BPMM usage.
Download the full survey findings at: https://greenhealthcare.ca/micro-mobility/
It is hoped survey results and the work done by the Coalition’s project team will be fodder for enhanced discussions on the topic among users, future users, and those involved in developing, financing and deploying BPMM infrastructure in Canadian health care organisations.
You are encouraged to support the investment of resources at the institutional, municipal, provincial and federal levels and promote the adoption of BPMM devices and the implementation of sufficient Infrastructure for active transportation wherever and whenever practical.
Stay up to date on project progress by signing up for the Coalition’s free bi-weekly Green Digest (www.greenhealthcare.ca/digest) or visit https://greenhealthcare.ca/micro-mobility/ to learn more.
Kent Waddington is the Communications Director and a co-founder of the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care. He can be reached at kent@kentwaddington.com
Autumn Sypus is the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care’s Project Coordinator and was Research Lead on the project. Reach Autumn at autumn@greenhealthcare.ca
