Bird Introduces New E-Bikeshare Program

If you’ve been in cities like San Jose, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, you’ve likely seen a slew of Bird electric scooters on the sidewalk or street. Bird, the micro-mobility transportation company founded by Travis VanderZanden recently announced a new venture, an E-bike sharing program.

Bird’s Bikeshare program will focus on collaborating with cities and existing micro-mobility services rather than competing with them. For example, Bird teamed up with Zig Zag, an e-moped provider in Italy to display their vehicles. Ridership has grown exponentially in the past decade and continues to grow exponentially. Thanks to the pandemic, more employees are working remotely, but now more than ever, people are also spending longer periods of time outdoors and riding their bikes. 

While there are tons of e-bikes on the market for consumers to purchase today, they often have a hefty price tag and not everyone wants to or can afford to make that kind of investment. Bike share is a great option for those who don’t own a bike, are worried about theft, bike maintenance, or just want a bike for a quick ride. Bird’s Bikeshare program seeks to provide the general public with an eco-friendly and affordable way to use micro-electric transportation. E-bikes drastically cut down fuel emissions, reduce traffic, and allow those who normally would not have access to E-bikes to experience them.

Bird’s E-bikes can go as fast as 15.5 mph, includes a battery with a 56-mile range per charge, a large digital display, as well as audible voice prompts. It also has a high-visibility LED headlight, a unique dual kickstand, a handy front-mounted basket, and an electric pedal assist to help riders climb hills with up to 20% grade.

Bird’s Bikeshare program will be rolling out in cities across North America and Europe sometime this year. It is unclear when or if Bird’s Bikeshare program will be coming to Santa Cruz County but if it does, will you be taking a ride?