Bird Launches Accessible Rentals Pilot Program in NYC

San Francisco, CA (July 6, 2021) — Micromobility company Bird recently announced their partnership with mobility vehicle company WHILL and their subsidiary Scootaround on a pilot program that will test accessible electric vehicle rentals in New York City this summer (see Bird’s original announcement). In 2020, New York State lifted its ban on electric scooters, and the city Department of Transportation announced Bird, Lime, and VeoRide would be part of its e-scooter pilot in the Bronx this summer.

Through Bird’s main app, users with mobility impairments can choose one of three different models to rent, including three- and four-wheel scooters and the WHILL Model Ci2 power wheelchair.

Riders can pick a rental length between 1-14 days, and they will get an in-person tutorial the day of their rental to ensure they’re comfortable using, charging, and storing the vehicle. Bird has a toll-free number for questions about the process.

“WHILL/Scootaround and Bird share the fundamental belief that personal, accessible mobility should be available to everyone who needs it,” said Kerry Renaud, CEO/Managing Director of Scootaround. “As micromobility options such as shared bikes and scooters continue to expand, we must ensure the benefits of these improved transportation networks be made as widely available as possible, including to persons with disabilities. Innovative partnership programs like this are an important part of that process, and we welcome Bird’s proactive participation in bringing them to life.”

Depending on the success of the NYC pilot program, Bird plans to roll out the partnership with WHILL/Scootaround to more cities later this year.