On January 26, 2026, Timmins Square in Timmins, Ontario, launched a new program using electric seated pods to help people with mobility issues get around the large shopping centre. The mall, which is owned and managed by RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, introduced six Segway S‑Pods to make it easier for seniors and shoppers who tire easily to visit stores across the complex.
The new vehicles, known as S‑Pods, are egg‑shaped, self‑balancing seated pods that use gyroscopic stabilization and are steered with a simple joystick. The pods are provided by Segway (Segway‑Ninebot), and mall staff say they are designed to be easy to use for people who find the long walk between the mall wings difficult.
Shoppers can borrow a pod by using a dedicated mobile app or by visiting the Guest Services desk inside the mall. For safety the pods are speed‑governed to a maximum of 5 km/h and use geofencing and designated ‘no‑wheel’ zones so they cannot be driven out through mall exits into the parking lot or into high‑traffic areas such as the food court.
The mall management said it added the service because Timmins Square is a large regional centre — roughly 281,000 square feet — and distances between anchors such as Winners and No Frills can be a long walk for seniors. During the cold winter months many local residents use the indoor hallways for exercise and socializing; the S‑Pods are intended to give more independence to residents who want to spend extended time at the mall without becoming fatigued.
