Traffic jams waste hours, parking costs drain your wallet, and public transit follows strict schedules. So what if you need to go somewhere urgently? You might have limited options, your own vehicle, or find a rental one, like a car or a similar vehicle. But you also need a budget-friendly option. My advice: go with shared electric scooters; they are best for urban mobility challenges with on-demand, point-to-point transportation.
In this blog, we’ll discuss Bird Scooters.
So, what if I say your smartphone becomes the key to instant mobility and helps you locate, unlock, and ride within minutes? Bird scooters cruise at 15 mph, fast enough to save time and safe enough to travel city streets.
What Is Bird?
Bird scooters are owned and operated by Bird Global, Inc., a micro-mobility company headquartered in Miami, Florida. The company was founded in September 2017 by Travis Vander Zanden, who served as CEO until he stepped down in 2019.
One of the biggest advantages of these vehicles is their eco-friendly nature. Unlike gas-guzzling cars, they run on electricity, producing zero emissions. This makes them a fantastic alternative to traditional vehicles, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. For cities struggling with pollution and traffic congestion, these scooters offer a breath of fresh air (literally!).
How Fast Do Bird Scooters Go?
Bird scooters can go up to 15 miles per hour. This speed helps you travel much faster than walking. A trip that takes 30 minutes on foot only takes about 6 minutes on a scooter. Isn’t it fun and exciting?
Some Users reported their scooters won’t go higher than 10-12 miles per hour. Don’t worry, I have an explanation. So based on my research, I found:
1. Speed Limitations by Local Regulations:
Bird’s official help center confirms that “vehicle speed varies by market and municipality regulations” and notes that “depending on local regulations, speed limits may vary in different cities, sometimes capping at 10 mph.”
2. Real-World User Experience:
User feedback reveals that “a rider weighing 150 pounds may hit 15 mph easily, while a 250-pound rider might only reach 12 mph.” This confirms that heavier users experience the 10-12 mph speeds you mentioned.
3. Environmental Factors:
The research shows that “riders climbing a steep hill could see speeds drop to 8 mph,” and various factors like battery level, terrain, and rider weight significantly affect actual speeds.
4. Official Speed Variations:
Sources confirm that while Bird scooters have a maximum speed of 15 mph, “speed limits may vary in different cities, sometimes capping at 10 mph.”
Key Resources:
- Bird’s Official Help Center: https://help.bird.co/hc/en-us/articles/360030667812-What-is-the-max-speed-of-a-Bird
- MotorBiscuit Analysis: https://www.motorbiscuit.com/whats-the-top-speed-of-a-bird-or-lime-scooter/
- Birds in the Tree Speed Analysis: https://birdsinthetree.com/how-fast-do-the-bird-scooters-go/
How Much Do Bird Scooters Cost?
The pricing structure is highly similar to other rental scooter services like Lime. You’ll typically pay an unlock fee and a per-minute rate.
- Unlock Fee: Around $1.00
- Per-Minute Rate: Usually ranges from $0.15 to $0.30.
Prices may vary depending on your location, demand, and any promotions Bird might be offering. It’s recommended to do some online research about discounts if you are traveling longer, depending on the battery capacity. This will save you costs.
How to Charge Bird Scooters
Bird relies on a network of independent contractors called chargers to keep their scooters juiced up. Here’s how it works:
- Chargers use the Bird app to locate scooters with low batteries in their area.
- These scooters are collected using their vehicles, public transport, or even walking.
- Bird provides special chargers for their scooters.
- These workers can take the scooters home or to designated charging spots.
- The charger plugs into a port on the scooter’s stem or underneath the footplate.
This system allows Bird to maintain scooter availability without needing fixed charging stations while also providing earning opportunities for the workers. Newer Bird models (Gen 4) might utilize battery-swapping stations in the future, making the charging process even faster.
How to Locate a Bird Scooter
There are two primary ways to locate bird scooters:
- The Bird App: This is the easiest and reliable method.
- First, download the Bird app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
-
- Create an account, or log in if you already have one.
- The app displays a map of your location and nearby Bird scooters.
- Each scooter icon indicates its battery life and estimated distance from you.
- Tap on a scooter for more details, like its ID number and exact location.
Spotting Them in the Wild: Keep an eye out for bird scooters parked around town, especially in busy areas. However, this method is less reliable as it doesn’t guarantee availability or battery life.
Bird vs Lime Scooters Comparison
| Feature | Bird | Lime |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | September 2017 | January 2017 |
| Headquarters | Miami, Florida | San Francisco, California |
| Coverage | Multiple cities worldwide | 280+ cities in ~30 countries |
| Vehicle Types | Electric scooters | Electric scooters, bikes, and mopeds |
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Category | Bird | Lime |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | ||
| Maximum Speed | 15 mph (24-25 km/h) | 15 mph (24-25 km/h) |
| Speed in Restricted Areas | 10-12 mph in busy areas | Varies by city (3-15 mph) |
| Speed Control | App-based automatic adjustment | App-based automatic adjustment |
| Pricing | ||
| Unlock Fee | ~$1.00 | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| Per-Minute Rate | $0.15 – $0.30 | $0.15 – $0.39 |
| Cost for a 30-minute ride | ~$5.50 – $10.00 | ~$5.50 – $13.20 |
| Discount Programs | Group Ride feature | Lime Access (low-income), LimePass |
| Technology & Features | ||
| App Features | Basic navigation, battery display | GPS tracking, parking photos, ride reservations |
| Scooter Models | Standard models, Gen 4 | Multiple generations, Gen 4.1 with 350W motor |
| System Type | Dockless | Dockless |
| Charging Method | Independent contractors (Chargers) | Independent contractors, swappable batteries |
| Availability | ||
| Operating Hours | Generally 24/7 (varies by city) | 24/7 in most areas |
| Night Availability | Reduced due to charging (9 PM – 4 AM) | Reduced due to charging |
| Age Requirement | 18+ | 18+ |
| Safety & Regulations | ||
| Helmet Requirement | Recommended | Strongly recommended (required in some states) |
| Sidewalk Riding | Generally not allowed | Generally not allowed |
| Speed Limiters | Yes, location-based | Yes, location-based |
| Braking System | Standard brakes | Dual braking systems |
| Special Features | ||
| Group Rentals | Yes (up to 5 vehicles) | Yes (up to 5 vehicles) |
| User Experience | Standard ride quality | Smoother ride (larger wheels, suspension) |
| Footboard | Standard | Wider footboard for stability |
| Motor Power | Standard | 350-watt motor (Gen 4.1) |
Pros and Cons Summary
Bird Scooters
Pros:
- ✓ Slightly lower pricing in some areas
- ✓ Group Ride feature for multiple rentals
- ✓ Simple, straightforward service
- ✓ Good for short, quick trips
Cons:
- ✗ Less comfortable ride reported by some users
- ✗ Fewer app features
- ✗ More limited vehicle options
Lime Scooters
Pros:
- ✓ Smoother, more comfortable ride
- ✓ More vehicle options (bikes, mopeds)
- ✓ Better app features (reservations, parking photos)
- ✓ Wider availability (280+ cities)
- ✓ More powerful motors in newer models
- ✓ Better technology upgrades
Cons:
- ✗ It can be more expensive per minute
- ✗ Higher unlock fee in some cities
- ✗ No group rental feature mentioned
Bottom Line
Both services offer similar basic functionality with 15 mph speeds and comparable pricing. Lime edges ahead with better ride quality, more features, and wider availability, while Bird may be slightly more economical for very short trips and offers the unique group rental option. The best choice depends on your specific needs and what’s available in your area.
FAQs
1. When do bird scooters turn off?
Answer: Bird scooters don’t have a set shut-off time, but availability can vary depending on your location and local regulations. Here’s what you can do:
- Check the Bird app to see if there are scooters available now, as well as their pricing.
- If you’re planning a late-night ride, contact customer service for details on operating hours in your city.
With more people embracing bicycles, cities could see a significant decrease in traffic congestion. These compact scooters take up much less space than cars and can maneuver through tight areas, leading to fewer vehicles on the road and smoother traffic flow throughout the city.
2. Do Bird Scooters Work at Night?
Answer: Bird scooters do NOT operate 24/7, but exact hours vary significantly by location and can change frequently. The only way to get 100% accurate information is to check the Bird app in your specific location in real-time.
My research confirms the general pattern (roughly 4-5 AM to 9-10 PM in most cities), but Bird themselves states that hours vary by market and are subject to change.
- Use the Bird App: Open the app and view the live map to check if scooters are nearby and available during nighttime hours.
- Look for Notifications: Bird may send in-app notifications or alerts regarding service changes or regional restrictions.
- Contact Bird Support: Reach out via the app’s Help section or Bird’s website for city-specific operating hours or restrictions.
