Big Rapids residents and visitors will see a new mode of transportation hit the streets — electric scooters.
On April 5, Big Rapids city commissioners gave approval to Bird Rides, Inc. to operate a fleet of about 50-75 stand-up electric scooters throughout the city.
The scooters offer a flexible, sustainable and fun way to move about the city. It can offer residents without vehicles a way to work as well as offer tourists a fun activity.
Bird spokesperson Michael Covato provided additional information to curate this list of everything you need to know before Bird e-scooters appear this spring.
Why Bird?
Bird Rides, Inc. is a Santa Monica, California-based company that also operates a fleet of e-scooters in Detroit. However, it’s not the only shared electric scooter company out there. Others you might have heard of include companies like Lime, Spin and Razor.
What makes Bird’s e-scooters unique?
Bird e-scooters have their own unique features, such as "warm-up mode," which gently accelerates the scooter up to speed, allowing the rider to become comfortable before going faster.
Another unique feature is the “quick start” option, which is for experienced riders, that automatically detects when a Bird scooter is in range and offers riders the opportunity to unlock it with the tap of a button.
In addition, Bird has a “helmet selfie” program that rewards the rider for wearing a helmet. If they submit a picture of themselves wearing a helmet, they receive a credit for their next ride.
How much will these cost the city?
There is no upfront cost or investment to have the e-scooters operate in the city, since Bird will profit from them being here. Bird only required a Memorandum of Understanding from the city.
How will these impact the city?
The e-scooters are meant to act as a complementary option of transportation, to supplement current options in Big Rapids. They cover what Covato called “the last mile,” which means the scooters help transport pedestrians all the way to their ultimate destination.
If after a year, the scooter fleet is not working out or isn't being used, Bird can remove the fleet from the city.
How does renting a scooter work?
To hire an e-scooter, you will have to download the Bird app via a smartphone and create an account. Each e-scooter contains a URL code that can be scanned by the phone’s camera within the app to unlock it.
Once unlocked and paid for, the ride can begin. Riders begin by kick-starting the e-scooter to get it moving. Once at a minimum speed, the electric motor engages to power the e-scooter forward. There is also a manual brake for users.
Ending the ride is as simple as tapping a button in the app and snapping a picture of the parked scooter.
Who can use them?
Users must be 18 or older to operate a Bird e-scooter. The app will ask users to submit a photo of their ID. It can also be a great alternative to biking for someone who has knee pain, is wearing high heels and/or is wearing a dress.
How much does it cost?
An average 15-20-minute ride will cost users between $5-7. It costs $1 to use the scooter and then users are charged an additional per-minute fee. According to a Bird spokesperson, the per-minute fee is determined based on city-specific criteria.
Where can they go/not go?
Using a geo-fencing technology, Bird can program where the scooters can and can’t travel. They are intended to be used on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less, on sidewalks and trails. The city of Big Rapids will encourage riders to avoid sidewalks when an appropriate street is available.
In addition, the scooters can tackle hills with a 20% grade or less. Bird operates in hilly terrains, such as in San Francisco, and Covato said he has no doubt the scooters could tackle Big Rapids' hills.
How many e-scooters will there be in Big Rapids?
50 to 75.
When would they be installed?
The exact launch date is yet to be determined for Big Rapids.
Who will manage the fleet of scooters locally?
Bird is looking to partner with local individuals and organizations to maintain the fleet of scooters in what it calls its “Fleet Manager program.” The chosen individuals will be provided the data-backed education necessary to manage the fleet successfully.
Are these safe to use amid the COVID-19 pandemic?
Covato said scooters are one of the safer ways to travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic, since they are independent and open-air, as opposed to something like a shared transit or bus. He also explained the scooters are also sanitized daily by the fleet managers, but not in between individual rides.
Riders should use their own discretion when determining how safe they feel using the shared e-scooters.
How safe are e-scooters?
Covato explained that studies have shown e-scooters have the same incident rate as bikes. So, they are about as safe as bicycles. Helmets are encouraged and Bird will give a ride credit to users who snap a “helmet selfie” on the app.
Where would they be installed?
The location of the scooter parking stations, or “staging locations” within Big Rapids, are yet to be determined.
How fast do they go?
The scooters are capped at 15 mph, which is well under the 25 mph maximum that Michigan Vehicle Code permits for such scooters. They can legally be driven on streets that are marked with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
How long does a scooter go on one charge?
Bird e-scooters can go about 30 miles on one charge, which is far more than an average trip.
Will the scooters be available year-round?
No, they will be stored in the winter months. Bird calls it “hibernating.”
How do you reserve a scooter so that no one else takes off with it?
There’s an electronic lock inside each scooter that can be activated by a user. When activated, no other user can operate the scooter. In addition, a GPS sensor will create a notification if someone tries to move a locked scooter.
How do you return/park them?
A rider can drop off a scooter wherever they reach their destination.
When a Bird rider is done, they must snap a picture of their scooter to prove they have parked it appropriately. Those photos can be audited regularly to ensure proper parking and provide further community education, if needed.
What if the scooters become clutter in the city?
Covato said from data they’ve collected in other cities, they know one person can effectively manage a fleet of 100 scooters.
There is also a way for residents to report a concern if they see a scooter presenting a nuisance, through email, phone or social media.
What federal and state laws apply here?
Riders of e-scooters must follow the requirements of the Michigan Vehicle Code that pertains to electric personal assistive mobility devices (Section 660). This code requires that riders use them similarly to how someone would use a bicycle on a street or sidewalk. They can be operated at a speed of not more than 15 mph and can only be operated on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. They must be ridden on the furthest right portion of a travel lane and must utilize an on-street bike lane if one is available.
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FAQ: Here’s what to know about Bird e-scooters - The Pioneer
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