Project Objectives
This project supports the Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative’s objective to increase public and industry awareness, knowledge and confidence in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), particularly battery-powered micro-mobility (BPMM) solutions, as well as accelerate the adoption of these solutions by targeting the health and social services sector.
Our team is targeting the health sector and will provide support to green champions and other stakeholders in the adoption of BPMM solutions and related infrastructure.
The objectives of our project include:
- Research adoption of BPMM solutions and related infrastructure in the health services sector
- Increase awareness of BPMM solutions for the sector
- Increase the number of and access to BPMM education documents specific to the sector
- Seek out and engage micro-mobility champions and thought leaders
- Engage and educate senior health care leaders and encourage adoption of BPMM solutions
- Encourage adoption of BPMM solutions
If you have interesting research and resources to share; if your health care facility has integrated or is in the process of integrating BPMM infrastructure such as charging and storage; or if you a USER of BPMM solutions, please contact the lead researcher, Autumn Sypus at autumn@greenhealthcare.ca
Updates
March 31st, 2024: End of Project Media Release
March 29th, 2024: Final BPMM webinar
February 29th, 2024: Second BPMM webinar
January 18th, 2024: First BPMM webinar
June 1st, 2023: BPMM Research Survey (Now closed)
May 18th, 2023: Project Media Release
Project Resources
Fact Sheet #1: A Brief History of the E-Bike
The history of the electric bicycle (e-bike) is surprisingly long and complex, and can’t be discussed in a purely Canadian context. From the 19th century to today, the vast majority of Canadian e-mobility projects have been international collaborations. The history of the e-bike in particular covers two distinct surges in popularity, the first at the beginning of the 20th century and the second in the second decade of the 21st century.
View the full fact sheet HERE.
View the full fact sheet in French HERE.
Fact Sheet #2: Introduction to Battery-Powered Micro-Mobility
This document provides an introduction to Battery-Powered Micro-Mobility (BPMM), highlighting that Transport Canada repealed its definition, leaving provinces and territories to define and regulate BPMM devices. BPMM refers to small, low-speed, battery-powered vehicles, including e-bikes, cargo e-bikes, and electric scooters. The document discusses the growth of BPMM rental services globally, outlining both the benefits and drawbacks, emphasizing safety concerns and the potential to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. It concludes by encouraging users to research, adhere to regulations, and use BPMM responsibly.
View the full fact sheet HERE.
View the full fact sheet in French HERE.
Fact Sheet #3: Benefits of the E-Bike
This text highlights the growing popularity of electric bikes (E-bikes) and outlines their environmental, health, financial, and practical benefits. E-bikes contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, offer health benefits through low-impact exercise, and are cost-effective in terms of transportation. They provide practical advantages such as easier commuting, efficient navigation through traffic, and parking convenience. The text encourages exploration of the world of E-bikes, emphasizing their positive impact on the environment, health, and overall lifestyle.
View the full fact sheet HERE.
View the full fact sheet in French HERE.
Fact Sheet #4: Guide to Infrastructure
This guide highlights the potential of Battery-Powered Micro-Mobility (BPMM) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in healthcare. It stresses the importance of supporting BPMM infrastructure and offers recommendations for safe storage and charging. Moreover, it outlines strategies to promote BPMM adoption among employees, including education and awareness campaigns, test riding events, and revisiting charging models. Ultimately, it encourages users to advocate for BPMM facilities in their healthcare organizations.
View the full fact sheet HERE.
View the full fact sheet in French HERE.
Fact Sheet #5: Guide to BPMM Rules and Regulations
Electric bikes (e-bikes) and e-scooters are legal in Canada under specific conditions determined by each province or territory since Transport Canada repealed its Battery-Powered Micro-Mobility (BPMM) definition in 2021. Rules vary, but commonly, e-bikes must not exceed 500 watts and 32 km/h, and users must wear helmets. Learn more from our rules and regulations fact sheet.
View the full fact sheet HERE.
Fact Sheet #6: Guide to BPMM Incentives and Rebates
Provincial and municipal rebate programs in Canada enhance the affordability of electric bicycles (e-bikes), encouraging their adoption for commuting and recreation. These initiatives align with national goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Various incentives are available across provinces, such as British Columbia’s rebate program offering up to $1,400 based on income. Federal initiatives indirectly support e-bike usage through infrastructure development and health care funding. This fact sheet gives readers a run-down of the available rebates, incentives and funding opportunities across Canada.
View the full fact sheet HERE.
Fact Sheet #7: Designing Cities to Support Clean Transportation
In envisioning future urban transportation, futuristic aerocars and vintage escape vehicles might come to mind, but reality paints a different picture. Today’s transportation landscape is evolving towards sustainability with zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and battery-powered micro-mobility (BPMM) devices like e-bikes gaining prominence. From electric buses to refuse trucks, various vehicles are transitioning to electric power. This shift necessitates robust charging infrastructure across urban and rural areas, supported by collaborative efforts between public and private sectors. Moreover, embracing ZEVs and BPMM devices promises environmental, efficiency, equity, health, safety, and economic benefits, shaping a greener urban future.
View the full fact sheet HERE.
Fact Sheet #8: Battery-Powered Micro-Mobility Among Canadian Health Care Workers
From May to October 2023, the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care conducted an online national survey to better understand the knowledge level and usage characteristics of battery-powered micro-mobility(BPMM) users among health care personnel. The survey was open to all Canadian health care personnel, not just those that use BPMM devices. This fact sheet provides an overview of the survey results and shares interesting insights derived from survey responses.
View the full fact sheet HERE.
Case Study #1: Yukon Home Care Embraces E-Bikes
Working collaboratively with other government departments, First Nations governments, medical facilities and community partners, the Yukon Home Care Program (YHCP) provides a multitude of territory-wide services such as care coordination, home support, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work and nursing. Service delivery in Whitehorse is made possible, in part, thanks to two battery-powered micro-mobility devices – otherwise known as ‘e-bikes’ and affectionately called “Speedy Tweety” and “Sylvester.”
Read the case study HERE.
Read the case study in French HERE.
Case Study #2: Ice Cream Tastes Better in a Trishaw
Hillside Pines Home for Special Care, a long-term care home located in the beautiful Nova Scotia town of Bridgewater, aims to treat loneliness, helplessness and boredom while providing compassionate medical treatment. Their core philosophy holds that every elder (senior) has the right to live their life toits fullest potential emotionally, intellectually, socially, spiritually and culturally. One way Hillside Pines delivers on its commitment is through the use of three-wheeled battery-powered micro-mobility bicycles (e-bikes) known as trishaws.
Read the case study HERE.
Read the case study in French HERE.
Case Study #3: Battery-Powered Micro-Mobility in Quebec
A growing number of Québec health care organisations are lending their support to the province’s forward looking stance on EVs by introducing their own transportation electrification pilot projects. Read this case study as we introduce you to a successful employee EV engagement initiative at CISSS de l’Outaouais and share with you how the Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel improved the health of their staff while reducing their environmental impact thanks to battery-power micro-mobility practices.
Read the case study HERE.
Read the case study in French HERE.
User Profile #1: E-Bike Makes Vancouver Commute Fun Easy and Inexpensive
E-bike enthusiast and advocate Colin Chan is the Regi
onal Leader of Sustainable Clinical Services at Vancouver Coastal Health and proudly owns and rides a RadPower RadRunner electric utility bike. Chan purchased his electric device at the start of the pandemic for $2,000 and has since then used his e-bike as a reliable form of transit; taking it to work, running errands, and even spending quality time with his primary-school daughter who can easily and safely sit on the rear seat of the bike.
Read the user profile HERE.
Read the user profile in French HERE.
User Profile #2: Making Life Easier, More Enjoyable and Efficient with an E-Bike
Catherine Payne, a Pharmacy Operations Supervisor at Ontario’s Woodstock Hospital, recently became a proud e-bike enthusiast. Both she and her husband purchased their e-bikes in September 2022 from Rad Power Bikes of Vancouver, BC with hers being a Rad Power 6 model affectionately named ‘Swanee.’ Since being purchased in 2022, Payne has been using her e-bike as a reliable form of transit to commute to and from work as well as travel for leisure activities, such as a quick trip to the store or across town to visit her mother.
Read the user profile HERE.
Read the user profile in French HERE.
User Profile #3: Embracing Micro-Mobility Brings Freedom and Family Fun for London Dad
Mike Apostol, an energy specialist at London Health Sciences Centre, embraces his RadCity 5 Plus e-bike for eco-friendly commutes with his kids.
Despite weather limitations, he finds solutions like indoor storage and proper gear. Apostol advises on e-bike usage, emphasizing safety, regulation awareness, and maintenance. He encourages infrastructure improvements and recommends reputable brands for potential users, highlighting the benefits and precautions of e-biking.
Read the user profile HERE.
Read the user profile in French HERE.
User Profile #4: Using and E-Bike for a Fast and Efficient Winter Commute
Stéphane Ménard, a mental health worker, cuts his winter commute using an e-bike, traveling 60 km daily. Despite challenges like battery life in the cold, he saves time and money, but maintenance is crucial. He suggests better support, mechanics, and waterproofing for e-bikes.
Read the user profile HERE.
Read the user profile in french HERE.
Webinar #1: Opportunities for Battery-Powered Micro-Mobility in Health Care
On January 18th, 2024 the Coalition presented the first webinar in our ZEVAI project series. We welcomed champions from the Yukon Home Care Program and Hillside Home for Special Care (Nova Scotia), to introduce their successful e-bike initiatives and share how BPMM devices have aided health care delivery.
We will also invited Jane Hu from Cycling Without Age Canada to share their story and detail how other organizations can get involved in the program.
Watch the webinar recording HERE. View the presentation slides HERE.
Webinar #2: The Future of Battery-Powered Micro-Mobility in Health Care and Beyond
On February 29th, 2024 the Coalition presented the second webinar in our ZEVAI project series. We welcomed representatives from the Canadian Electric Bicycle Association (CEBA), Elocity and the VCT Group to discuss the future of battery-powered micro-mobility in health care and beyond.
Watch the webinar recording HERE. View the presentation slides HERE.
Webinar #3: Advancing Awareness and Adoption of Battery-Powered Micro-Mobility in Canada‘s Health Services Sector
On March 28th, 2024 the Coalition presented the third and final webinar in our ZEVAI project series.
In this webinar we provide the results from our recent project survey and share interesting insights gathered from research, interviews, and data analysis.
Watch the webinar recording HERE. View the presentation slides HERE.
Benefits of the E-Bike Infographic
Learn about the benefits of the e-bike including environmental sustainability, parking convenience, community connection and more. View the infographic HERE.
Battery-Powered Micro-Mobility and Canada’s Health Sector
This document provides an overview of battery-powered micro-mobility in Canada, including environmental, practical and social considerations for the individual, society and the health sector. Read the Environmental Scan HERE.
BPMM Champion Slide Deck
This slide deck is for in-house champions looking to get organisational support for ZEV initiatives! The slide deck provides educational information on ZEVs, BPMM, charging and storage infrastructure, as well as suggestions for awareness.
We encourage you to download this resource and make any necessary changes to suit the needs of your presentation. You can view and download the slide deck HERE.
If you have any questions or trouble downloading, please contact autumn@greenhealthcare.ca.
Educational Video – Battery-Powered Micro-Mobility: Benefits for Health Care and Beyond
This video provides a 4-minute look at the benefits of BPMM to support and encourage the adoption of these devices in the health services sector.
Watch the video HERE.
BPMM Resources
The Electric Assist: Leveraging E-bikes and E-scooters for More Liveable Cities
The Institute for Transportation and Develop Policy’s report provides a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and risks posed by e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as recommendations for how cities can link electric micro-mobility to sustainable transport goals and expand the benefits of these modes.
Electric Bicycle Market Research Report
In this report learn about the growth, trends, and future projections of the electric bicycle market.
Electric Bike 2000 Project
The Electric Bike 2000 Project was part of an initiative to promote the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) and to document their performance to assist the federal and Quebec governments as they prepare to regulate the use of this new mode of transportation. Learn more in the report from Transport Canada.
Electric Autonomy | Micro-Mobility
View the most recent stories on micro-mobility and stay up-to-date on everything ZEVAI.
What is Electric Micro-Mobility
Learn some of this basics of Electric Micro-Mobility (aka Battery Powered Micro-Mobility) in this article from Virtual Peaker.
Exploring the Effects of the Cycling Without Age Program on Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care
The Cycling Without Age program, offered in long-term care homes around the world, allows residents to experience the feeling of a bike ride in the trishaw as a volunteer pedals the electrical bike. The purpose of this pragmatic observational study was to measure the effects of an existing program in a Canadian long-term care home on residents’ happiness, quality of life, pain and functional status.
Cycling Without Age: Assessing the Impacts of a Cycling-Based Initiative on Mood and Wellbeing
Cycling Without Age is a global initiative in which trained volunteers take adults living in care homes or supported housing environments out on specially designed trishaws. Despite its global success, there is limited research on the effect the initiative has on the older adults taking part. This study assessed changes in mood and wellbeing to determine whether there were short-term benefits of participation.
E-scooter sharing service rolls into Richmond
Starting on May 4th, 2023 Richmond residents and visitors have a zippy new way to get around. The Island City has welcomed an e-scooter sharing service from a company called Lime.
For now, the e-scooters are only available in a limited area around Richmond city centre, along with some electric bicycles.
Shared commercial electric kick scooter pilot program in Hamilton
Starting on April 3, 2023, the first year of the shared commercial electric kicker scooter (“e-scooter”) pilot program launched in Hamilton. The pilot program is part of a Provincial pilot program to evaluate the use of E-Scooters, specifically their ability to safely integrate with other vehicle types and determine whether existing rules of the road are adequate.
Vancouver’s shared e-scooter service delayed until 2024
The City of Vancouver’s plan to hire a company to launch a public electric scooter sharing service in the city will likely not happen until the spring of 2024, according to a city councillor with knowledge of the initiative’s status.
Sarah Kirby-Yung said the city won’t issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the service until this fall because staff is taking time to consult with advisory groups, conduct research and define the program, which is expected to be launched at no cost to taxpayers.
E-scooters can now roam the Coquitlam street
On January 17th Coquitlam launched a new provincially-run pilot project that will allow the scooters in designated areas, primarily on bikes lanes and multi-use pathways. The pilot will last for 16 months — between January 2023 and April 2024.
Provincial and Municipal Rebates
Prince Edward Island E-Bike Incentive
BC Electric Bike Rebate Program
Banff Residential E-Bike Rebate
E-Bike and E-Scooter Sharing programs
Bixi Montreal: E-bikes in Montreal.
Bike Share Toronto: E-bikes in Toronto.
Bird Canada: E-bikes and E-scoorers in 16 Canadian Cities.
Lime: E-bikes and e-scooters in Vancouver, Kelowna, Richmond and Edmonton.
Neuron: E-bikes in Calgary, Vernon and Lethbridge. E-Scooters in Red Deer, Airdrie and Ottawa.
Spin: E-bikes in Kelowna, B.C.
Evo: E-bikes in Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler.
Important Use, Storage and Safety Information for Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries have become indispensable in powering battery operated micro mobility devices. While these batteries offer remarkable performance, it is essential for the public to be well-informed about their proper usage, storage, and safety measures. While the risk associated with Certified UL lithium batteries is minimal under normal conditions, education on safe handling, storage and safety is crucial to prevent potential hazards and ensure the longevity of these power sources. This information aims to equip users with the knowledge needed to harness the benefits of lithium batteries responsibly and minimize any potential risks.
E-Bikes: More Options for People on the Move
Check out this e-bike primer, developed by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in British Columbia, to lean more about e-bikes and their unique characteristics.
Project Details
Blackstone Energy
Be informed. Be in control. Be the change.
Blackstone helps clients fast track their decarbonization goals with value-driven energy management solutions. We deliver unbiased energy intelligence for more confident forecasting, and data-centric solutions to power a better tomorrow. Our strategic, full-service commodity management, engineering, project development and carbon advisory solutions help our clients implement the right infrastructure improvements so they can save, sustain and thrive in the built environment.
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)
Canadian Automotive Museum
The Canadian Automotive Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Canada’s automotive experience. The Museum opened to the public in 1963 and was incorporated in 1964 as an independent not-for-profit, charitable institution. It is home to the world’s most significant collection of Canadian cars and Canadian automotive literature.
Today, the museum maintains a collection of over 80 Canadian and international vehicles spanning the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, as well as the Baechler Canadian Automotive Research (C.A.R) Library.
Canadian Electric Bike Association
The Canadian Electric Bicycle Association CEBA was founded to unite consumers, retailers, distributors and electric bike interests across Canada. Our mission is to integrate all provinces and build a solid foundation of information to support the ebike industry. To provide educational resources to every level of the ebike industry and encourage the use and growth of electric bikes across Canada.
Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions
The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) is the voice of nearly 250,000 unionized nurses and nursing students across the country. They are proud to advocate for their members and promote the nursing profession on the national level, and work tirelessly to protect the quality of health care for patients and the universal public health care system.
Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society
The Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society (CHES) is a national professional association representing approximately 1,000 health care engineers and associates across Canada. CHES seeks to help members to better manage the healing environment which is imperative for efficient and effective health care delivery.
They promote the principle of integrated design by improved collaboration using a team approach between the professions, and providing leadership in creating more efficient management of the operation, maintenance, and safety of hospitals, their engineering systems, equipment, buildings, and allied support services.
Cycling Without Age Canada
Cycling Without Age Canada is a national organization aimed at reducing social isolation and increasing both mental and physical health for all Canadians. Using specialized electric pedal-assisted trishaws each bicycle can carry up to two passengers on an adventure previously unimagined. Envision harkening back to youthful memories of exploration and discovery thought forever lost. Local volunteers called ‘pilots’ visit care homes, senior centres and community groups to offer rides on the trishaw. Being outdoors, reconnecting in the community and with the ‘pilots’ nurtures emotional well-being. Rides make passengers smile, bring back memories, and allow them to be part of society again and thereby renew their appetite for life itself.
It all starts with a bike ride!
Cycling Without Age Canada is part of a global initiative that is present in over 55 countries and boasts 3,050 chapters with 4,900 trishaws in active service. In Canada, we currently support 132 chapters with 177 trishaws in active service.
E-Bike Pros
Their mission is to provide premium quality green, sustainable transportation backed by the best warranty in the world.
PEACH Health Ontario
The mission of PEACH Health Ontario (Partnerships for Environmental Action by Clinicians and Communities for Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities) is to cultivate and sustain partnerships across health care sites across Ontario to support climate action.
They aim to engage, encourage, and empower those in the healthcare sector to take climate action at their site. There are some exciting healthcare related initiatives happening in the province right now, and they hope to highlight and share these stories so we can scaffold pathways for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is inventing the future of health care for the 1.2 million patients the hospital cares for each year through the dedication of its more than 10,000 staff and volunteers. An internationally recognized leader in research and education and a full affiliation with the University of Toronto distinguishes Sunnybrook as one of Canada’s premier academic health sciences centres.
VCT Group
VCT Group has a vision of a world in which power is clean, plentiful and owned by the people. Since 2008, VCT Group has been designing and installing distributed energy infrastructure that transforms under-utilized space for small, medium, and large businesses. Solar is distributed infrastructure which generates power locally, and keeps the economic benefits within the community that it powers.
Kent Waddington
Project Lead
Autumn Sypus
Research Lead
Linda Varangu
Climate Change Advisor
Myles Sergeant
Senior Advisor
This project is thanks to financial support from:
