Bird extends accessibility programme to San Diego and San Francisco

Credit: Bird

At Bird, providing eco-friendly transportation for everyone means increasing the availability of on-demand accessible mobility. 

As a result, Bird has announced that it is expanding its collaboration with Scootaround, a global leader in personal transportation solutions. In addition to its ongoing pilot in The Bronx, Bird is now offering its unique, on-demand accessible mobility programme in San Diego and San Francisco, as well. 

The programme allows persons with disabilities to find, reserve and pay for a selection of accessible vehicles using a custom Scootaround interface directly in the Bird app. Riders benefit from exclusive pricing discounts available only through Bird, including free rentals for up to three days in some areas. They also have access to high-quality accessible vehicles, such as the award-winning WHILL Model Ci2. 

“Bird’s commitment to improving sustainable mobility access for everyone means partnering with industry experts whose mission parallels our own,” said Rebecca Hahn, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Bird. “Together with Scootaround, we’re able to bring a trusted, on-demand, personal transportation service to those with disabilities. This is incredibly important to our team, and we believe it’s just as valuable to the communities that we serve.”

To begin a reservation, riders can simply tap on the clearly marked button at the bottom of the Bird app. The reservation process allows those with disabilities to select their desired accessible vehicle type, rental length of up to three days and a convenient pick-up and drop-off location. 

A toll-free number is also available to help to provide immediate answers to questions about the rental process. On the day of delivery, riders will receive a full, in-person tutorial to help them to feel comfortable using, charging and storing their new accessible vehicle throughout the duration of the rental. 

The expansion of its on-demand accessible mobility programme to San Diego and San Francisco is one of many initiatives that Bird is prioritising as a company to better listen to, understand and meet the needs of the disability community.

Together with Easterseals, the nation’s largest disability services and advocacy organisation, Bird is providing employees with valuable insights and education that is designed to ensure that all Bird team members have the tools that they need to be more positive and proactive community partners. 

Moving forward, Bird will continue to identify ways that it can implement these learnings in all aspects of its operations. This includes everything from its vehicle offerings, operations and partnerships to its community education campaigns, accessible app and website design and even the ALT-text on its social media posts.