Markham and Scooty Mobility Inc. Demonstrate Solution at OVIN Demonstration Zone

MARKHAM, ON – September 13, 2024 – The City of Markham is proud to unveil today a demonstration project in the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Demonstration Zone, featuring Scooty Mobility Inc. This exciting launch kickstarts a two-month demonstration period which runs through October 2024, showcasing Scooty’s cutting-edge micro-mobility solution designed to address Markham’s First and Last Mile Challenge.

Scooty Mobility Inc. (SCOOTY), known for its innovative approach to urban transportation, will leverage the OVIN Demonstration Zone along Enterprise Boulevard between Warden Avenue and Birchmount Road in Markham to demonstrate its e-scooters. This initiative aims to bridge transportation gaps to and from downtown Markham, contributing to the city’s vision of a more sustainable and connected urban environment. The demonstration will feature e-scooters for public use, with 11 designated parking spots across Markham Centre for testing and riding.

This demonstration represents a joint initiative by the City of Markham, OVIN, Scooty, and the Remington Group, Scooty’s industry partner and a key developer of Downtown Markham. By leveraging the OVIN Demonstration Zone’s real-world testing environment, Scooty will present its e-scooters as a micro-mobility solution to improve connectivity and promote sustainable transportation in Markham.

The OVIN Demonstration Zone, supported by a $2.5 million investment from the Ontario government through OVIN announced last summer, offers a unique platform for testing and validating mobility technologies. The OVIN Demonstration Zone also provides access to city assets, municipal support, and feedback from city stakeholders and end-users to support the adoption and deployment of practical, sustainable solutions for urban mobility.

Businesses with innovative mobility and transportation solutions are encouraged to apply for the next call for applications available at ovindz.ca

About the City of Markham:

Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 362,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.

About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN):

OVIN is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies. Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies.

About Scooty Mobility Inc.:

Scooty Mobility Inc. (SCOOTY) is a leader in micro-mobility solutions, dedicated to revolutionizing urban transportation with eco-friendly and efficient technologies. Since its founding, Scooty has been at the forefront of integrating small, lightweight vehicles into transit systems to improve connectivity and sustainability.

About Remington Group:

The Remington Group is not merely a builder of homes and commercial spaces; we are creators of vibrant, sustainable communities. Our dedication to quality craftmanship infuses life into every project, shaping environments that enhance the well-being of residents and visitors alike. Collaborating closely with municipalities, regional authorities, and provincial bodies, we prioritize responsible development to foster a superior quality of life.

“Our partnership with Scooty Mobility Inc. and the Remington Group marks a significant milestone for Markham’s transportation infrastructure. Using the OVIN Demonstration Zone, Scooty’s innovative micro-mobility solution not only addresses our First and Last Mile Challenge but also reinforces our commitment to sustainable urban development. This demonstration underscores our dedication to advancing practical, cutting-edge solutions for a more connected and eco-friendly city.”

— Markham Mayor, Frank Scarpitti

 

“As our automotive and mobility sectors continue to advance, so too will new and innovative solutions for transportation in Ontario like Scooty Mobility Inc.’s micro-mobility e-scooter project. We congratulate Scooty Mobility Inc. and the City of Markham on this exciting new partnership, and for showcasing the best of what Ontario talent and innovation has to offer.”

— Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

 

“A safe, connected transportation network depends on reliable first and last-mile options that allow Ontarians to get where they’re going quickly and safely. E-scooters have the potential to transform the way people travel through cities, and our government will continue to support projects that can help us prepare for the future of transportation.” 

— Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation

 

“Ontario is driving a new mobility future by paving the way for the adoption of innovative new technologies through the OVIN Demonstration Zone, a leading-edge platform for showcasing Ontario-made innovations in real-world environments. This key initiative reaffirms the province’s central role in connecting Ontario companies to municipalities and other potential customers, and its commitment to fostering the growth and commercialization of emerging technologies.” 

— Raed Kadri, Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network

 

“ At Scooty, we are thrilled to collaborate with visionary partners like the City of Markham, the Remington Group, and OVIN. Together, we are not only enhancing transportation connectivity but also building a smarter, greener city. Markham Centre is set to become one of Canada’s largest transit-oriented communities, and we are honored to be a part of its growth. I would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at the City of Markham for their dedication and hard work in designing a safe and effective program that will provide real benefits to riders in Markham. Their thoughtful planning and commitment to innovation have been key to making this initiative a success. We believe this is just the beginning of a journey toward a more connected and sustainable urban future, where technology and sustainability come together to improve the daily lives of residents across Ontario."

— Shoaib Ahmed, Founder & CEO, Scooty.

"Today's launch of Scooty Mobility Inc.'s demonstration project in Downtown Markham is a pivotal moment for our downtown community. By integrating Scooty’s innovative e-scooters into our urban fabric, we're taking a significant step toward enhancing connectivity and addressing the first and last mile challenges that are crucial for a seamless transit experience. Downtown Markham is designed to be a hub of accessibility and sustainability, and this initiative perfectly aligns with our vision of creating a vibrant, interconnected urban landscape. The OVIN Demonstration Zone provides an invaluable platform for testing these cutting-edge solutions, and we're excited to see how they will contribute to making our community even more dynamic and transit-friendly."

— Randy Peddigrew, Executive VP of Land Development, The Remington Group

Pictured from left to right. Mona Eghanian, Assistant VP Ontario Centre of Innovation, Shoaib Ahmed, Founder & CEO Scooty Mobility Inc., Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN at the OVIN Demonstration Zone in Markham Centre on Sept. 13, 2024.