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Bird launches e-bike fleet in San Diego

Posted: 13 September 2021 | | No comments yet

San Diego State University will play host to micromobility operator Bird’s newest fleet of e-assist bikes, which contain several safety and sustainability features.

bird bikeshare

Bird's claims its new model of e-bike has several safety and sustainability features Credit: Bird

In September, San Diego will become one of the first cities in the world to launch Bird’s new fleet of shared e-assist bikes.

The launch comes as part of Bird’s micro-electric mobility partnership with San Diego State University (SDSU). The micromobility operator says shared Bird Bikes will be available to help SDSU’s 34,000 students as well as hundreds of staff and faculty members navigate the 280-acre campus without needing to rely on fossil fuel-powered cars.

“We’re excited to partner with Bird to help provide SDSU students, staff and faculty with a fun, carbon-free micromobility option to use on and around campus,” said Debbie Richeson, Director of Parking & Transportation Services.

“The SDSU community will have access to exclusive pricing and a selection of Bird’s high-quality scooters and bikes, making transportation efficient, affordable and sustainable.”

The new shared e-assist bikes come with several safety and sustainability features including dual hand brakes, advanced onboard diagnostics, aluminium alloy framing and a maximum range of 56 miles on a single battery charge. Bird says SDSU students will have access to reduced prices for unlocks on campus as well as a host of incentives for riding responsibly including Helmet Selfie and automatic ride credits for proper parking.

In addition, San Diego has also become one of the first cities globally to offer the newest Bird Three electric scooters in addition to our smart bikeshare program.

Bird claims the new model is “built to be the world’s most eco-conscious shared scooter. Bird Three offers exclusive features like the industry’s most sustainable battery, smart braking and acceleration technology, real-time diagnostic monitoring, exceptional visibility and more.”

The fleet was launched to help support the city’s ongoing initiatives to encourage micromobility use, which has included a newly-completed protected bike lane along 30th St. between Juniper St. and Polk Ave.

Since the launch of Bird Three, the operator claims scooter utilisation in San Diego has increased significantly. This includes an 80 per cent jump in daily ridership along 30th Street itself from May (pre-bike lane completion) to September (post-bike lane completion), demonstrating how the availability of high quality vehicles combined with protected infrastructure lead to more active bike and scooter communities in cities.