Electric scooter rental company Bird announced it has launched a fleet of scooters in Frisco.
Similar to other scooter-sharing programs, riders download the Bird app to locate and ride the scooters.
The company, which has scooters in more than 100 cities, says on its website its mission is to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions by providing an environmentally friendly alternative to cars. The scooters are intended to be used for short distances and "last-mile" trips.
"Bird is now offering a small fleet in Frisco, Texas, and we are thrilled to already see that residents are quickly replacing short car trips for Bird rides," a Bird representative said in an email. "Bird hopes to work closely with city officials to develop a framework that works for everyone so that the Frisco community can have access to our convenient and affordable transportation option."
Scooter-sharing programs have grown in popularity globally in recent years. Many cities have created ordinances for scooter-sharing and bike-sharing programs to regulate the programs.
In November the city of Plano added e-scooters to its bike-share ordinance, which requires a permit to provide short-term commercial bike rentals in the city.
The city of Austin has implemented fleet limits for dockless scooter companies.
Here are some things to know before riding a Bird scooter:
- The scooters do not come with helmets. Riders can wear their own helmet, and active Bird riders can order a free helmet from Bird. Frisco's city ordinance does not require adults to wear helmets while riding scooters.
- Riders must be at least age 18 with a valid driver's license to ride a Bird scooter.
- The scooters are intended to be ridden in bike lanes or close to the right curb unless local law requires or allows them to be driven on the sidewalk. City ordinance requires that scooters only be ridden on public roadways, private property or paths and trails that are set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles. Scooters cannot be ridden on public roadways with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph.
