City staff said Bird Rides planned to distribute the e-scooters throughout Plano starting June 7.
Users can download the Bird Rides mobile app to see the location of nearby e-scooters. According to the app, the cost is $1 to start and $0.39 a minute plus tax. The e-scooters must be parked in approved locations when finished. Riders must be at least 18 years old, according to the city.
The city first approved the use of bike and scooter ride-sharing programs in 2018. City officials said in a June 7 release that the ride-sharing initiative will reduce carbon emissions and vehicle traffic across Plano.
“Observing e-scooters' use in Dallas, we’ve seen their popularity soar,” Plano Director of Special Projects Peter Braster wrote in a 2018 memo to City Council when the scooter and bike-share ordinance was discussed. “People are riding them to and from appointments, work, grocery stores and fun. Their introduction into Plano will give our citizens another choice for transportation.”
According to the city, Bird Rides is the only scooter-share company currently permitted to operate in Plano.
The Bird Rides e-scooters can be used on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or below, city staff said. The e-scooters have a maximum speed of 15 mph.
According to the city’s website, there are designated Home Zones where the company can place the e-scooters. These zones are limited to concrete, asphalt or brick surfaces and are spread throughout the city. Bird Rides will be required to reposition the e-scooters into these designated areas each night. A map of the Home Zones can be found here.
Plano prohibits use of the e-scooters in downtown, Legacy Town Center, Haggard Park and Memorial Park, according to the city’s website. Officials encourage helmet use while on the e-scooters. More information about Plano’s bike and scooter share program can be found here.
Editor's note: This story has been amended to clarify Bird Rides' offerings.
