Bird, the electric scooter-sharing company founded in 2017, revolutionized urban micromobility by introducing dockless e-scooters that users could rent via an app. However, the service quickly became synonymous with a host of problems that plagued cities, riders, and the company itself, contributing to its decline.
Here in Great Falls we would find these electric scooters all over the place. Haphazardly left on the rivers edge trail with dead batteries, tipped over in the middle of sidewalks — creating trip hazards for pedestrians — especially those with disabilities, and just generally left as a somewhat quasi plaything in our parks.
The problems that Great Falls had with the Bird scooters wasn’t just a local phenomenon. Cities across the U.S. and around the world have experienced much the same.
In cities like Fresno (as early as 2018) and Whitewater (2024), these types of issues led to cease-and-desist orders and ongoing reports of scooters littering public spaces.
Bird attempted to address it’s ongoing problems by enabling user reports for poorly parked or damaged units, which would trigger repositioning or removal. Despite this, the dockless model often exacerbated environmental issues, with scooters ending up as trash in streets or waterways.
Ongoing Safety and Maintenance Concerns
Riders and pedestrians frequently reported injuries from poorly maintained scooters, which were often in disrepair. Issues like drunk or reckless riding were common in places like Reno, where private scooters sometimes caused more problems than Bird’s fleet. Vandalism was rampant, with scooters being thrown into rivers or damaged, reducing availability and reliability.
Technical and App-Related Glitches
Bird users encountered frequent operational hurdles, such as scooters not unlocking, moving slowly, or failing to end rides due to GPS errors. Missing QR codes and app login problems further frustrated riders. Even in 2025, troubleshooting guides for non-working scooters remained popular, indicating persistent reliability issues.
Financial and Operational Challenges
Bird raised over $800 million and reached a $2.5 billion valuation but filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December 2023 amid unsustainable growth, high costs, and regulatory pushback. It emerged in April 2024 under Third Lane Mobility but continued facing headwinds, including low usage in some markets (e.g., Seattle, where competitors like Lime dominated).
By 2025, Bird paused or ceased operations in cities like Columbia, Grand Junction, and Denver, often due to financial difficulties and the search for new management. Critics viewed it as part of a broader micromobility bubble, with some calling the concept flawed from the start.
Banning and Restrictions
The trend of banning or restricting electric scooter rentals in general has been gaining momentum in several major cities around the world, reflecting a growing concern over safety, public space management, and urban planning.
Here’s an overview based on recent developments:
Paris implemented a ban on rental electric scooters in September 2023, following a referendum where nearly 90% of voters supported the ban, although voter turnout was low. This decision came after rising concerns about safety, with accidents involving e-scooters leading to injuries and fatalities. The ban was part of broader efforts to manage urban transport and reduce reliance on private cars, although it also highlighted the challenges of integrating new transport modes into city life.
Melbourne has also moved towards banning electric scooter rentals, with the city council voting to end its e-scooter share scheme. This decision was influenced by safety concerns, despite the scooters contributing to reducing carbon emissions. The move was controversial, with some advocating for better regulation rather than an outright ban, pointing out the environmental benefits and the convenience e-scooters offered for short trips.
Madrid also joined the list by announcing the revocation of operating licenses for e-scooter rental companies, citing failures in service provision, insurance, and technology that should prevent misuse. This indicates a shift towards stricter urban mobility policies, aiming for better integration of transport options that ensure safety and efficiency.
Public Sentiment and Policy Debate
Some users expressed frustration over the bans, suggesting that private e-scooters are still allowed, which might lead to less regulation rather than more. Others argue for stronger laws and enforcement rather than bans, indicating a desire for safer integration rather than complete removal of these transport options.
A Global Perspective
The bans or restrictions in these cities reflect a broader debate on how cities should evolve their transport infrastructure. While e-scooters were initially welcomed for reducing car usage and emissions, their integration into urban spaces has proven challenging due to safety, parking, and regulatory issues.
The trend towards banning or heavily regulating electric scooter rentals underscores a critical examination of urban mobility solutions. Cities are grappling with balancing innovation in transportation with the need for safety, public space management, and environmental considerations. The debate continues, with some advocating for better technology and regulation to manage e-scooters effectively, while others see their removal as necessary for restoring order and safety in urban environments.
