Riding A Bird Electric Scooter: A Beginner's Guide

Electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation, offering a fun, eco-friendly, and convenient way to travel short distances. Bird, a leading electric scooter rental company, provides scooters in cities worldwide. To ride a Bird electric scooter, you must first download the Bird app and create an account with your email and payment information. The app will help you locate a nearby scooter and unlock it by scanning its QR code. Before riding, ensure you wear a helmet and inspect the scooter for any damage. To start, kick off with one foot to gain momentum, then press the throttle on the right handlebar to accelerate. Use the handbrake to slow down and stop, and always follow local traffic rules and designated riding zones. When ending your ride, park neatly in a designated area and take a photo of the parked scooter through the app.

Download the Bird app and create an account

To ride a Bird electric scooter, you'll first need to download the Bird app on your smartphone. The app is available for both Android and iPhone users and is essential for locating, unlocking, and paying for your scooter rides.

Once you've downloaded the app, open it up and create an account using your email address and a password. You'll also need to enter your payment information. This is a necessary step to be able to ride the scooter, as you'll need to pay for each ride you take.

The Bird app will also be useful during and after your ride. You can use the app's map to locate a Bird scooter nearby, and once your ride is over, you can use the app to end your ride and take a photo of the scooter's parked location to ensure it's been parked correctly.

It's important to note that Bird electric scooters are not toys and should be used with caution. Always wear a helmet and follow local traffic rules and regulations. Do not ride on sidewalks, motorways, or highways, and be cautious around pedestrians, yielding the right-of-way when necessary.

Wear a helmet and check your scooter for damage

When it comes to riding a Bird electric scooter, safety should always be your top priority. Before you start your journey, it is crucial to wear a helmet and conduct a thorough inspection of your scooter to ensure it is in good working condition.

Wearing a helmet is an essential step in protecting yourself while riding an electric scooter. Bird's safety guidelines strongly recommend that all riders wear helmets. In some cities or countries, wearing a helmet is mandatory by law, regardless of the rider's age. Even in locations where helmet use is not legally required for adults, wearing one can provide peace of mind and significantly enhance your safety. A well-fitted helmet should be snug yet comfortable, remain in place when you move your head, and have adjustable straps to secure it.

To select an appropriate helmet, look for one that meets established safety standards, such as those set by the U.S. CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) for biking, which often apply to scooter usage as well. Additionally, consider wearing a full-face helmet for maximum protection.

Before riding a Bird electric scooter, it is imperative to conduct a thorough inspection of the scooter to ensure it is in proper working order and free from any damage. Check the scooter's tires, including the tread and air pressure, to ensure they are in good condition. Examine the scooter for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or dents, and ensure that all components, including the brakes, throttle, and steering, are functioning correctly. Pay attention to the weight limit specified for the scooter and ensure that you do not exceed it, as doing so can cause significant harm to both the scooter and yourself.

By taking the time to wear a helmet and carefully inspect your Bird electric scooter before each ride, you can significantly enhance your safety and peace of mind while enjoying your journey. Remember, when it comes to your well-being, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Kick off with one foot and accelerate with the throttle

To ride a Bird electric scooter, you must first give the scooter some momentum by kicking off with one foot. Place one foot on the scooter's footboard and use the other to kick and propel yourself forward. Once you've gained some initial momentum, you can start accelerating by twisting the throttle on the right handlebar. The scooter will begin to accelerate, and you can increase the speed by holding down the throttle.

It's important to note that you should not press the throttle when walking with the scooter. Wait until you've kicked off and are ready to start your ride. The throttle controls your speed, so be careful not to twist it too far or too quickly, especially when you're just starting.

Additionally, always be mindful of your surroundings and follow local traffic rules. Electric scooters are not permitted in certain areas, such as sidewalks, motorways, or highways. Always ride in designated areas, such as bike lanes, and be cautious around pedestrians, yielding the right-of-way when necessary.

Remember to wear a helmet and follow safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience on your Bird electric scooter.

Brake with the handbrake or foot brake

To slow down or stop a Bird electric scooter, you can use either the handbrake or the foot brake. The handbrake is usually located on the left handlebar, and you can apply pressure to it to decelerate and come to a stop. Alternatively, some Bird scooters also have a foot brake, which you can find on the rear wheel's fender.

It's important to remember that before you start riding a Bird electric scooter, you should always put on a helmet to ensure your safety. You should also inspect the vehicle frame and neck for any cracks or wear before riding.

To start riding, place one foot on the footboard and use your other foot to kick forward and gain some momentum. You can then hold down the accelerator (right thumb throttle) to go faster, up to a speed of 18 miles per hour. Remember to follow local traffic laws and ride in designated areas, such as bike lanes, whenever possible.

When you need to slow down or stop, you can use either the handbrake or the foot brake, depending on which type of brake your particular Bird scooter is equipped with. Always remember to ride cautiously and be mindful of your surroundings, especially when approaching pedestrians.

By following these braking instructions and staying aware of your local traffic laws and regulations, you can safely and effectively operate a Bird electric scooter.

Park in designated areas and take a photo

When you're ready to end your ride on a Bird electric scooter, it's important to park in designated areas to avoid inconveniencing others or violating local regulations. Look for approved parking areas in your city by consulting the Bird app, where you can also find information on local parking rules. These rules vary across cities. For example, in New York City, there are marked parking corrals painted on the ground, whereas in Washington, DC, Bird scooters are equipped with locks and can be parked at bike racks.

Preferred and mandatory parking areas are marked with a "P" in the Bird app, and you should also be able to see no-parking zones marked in red. Once you've found an approved parking spot, make sure you park your scooter neatly and keep access ways clear. Don't obstruct sidewalks, ramps, or doorways.

After parking, tap the "End Ride" button in the Bird app and follow the prompt to take a photo of your vehicle to ensure it's been parked correctly. You can then submit the photo, and your ride will be complete. Remember that consistently parking your scooter incorrectly may result in a fine or account suspension.

By following these parking guidelines, you can help ensure that Bird scooters benefit all members of your community and not just riders.

Frequently asked questions