Fairfield Launches Public E-Scooter Pilot Program

FAIRFIELD, CT — There's a new way to get around Fairfield with the launch of a pilot program of e-scooters by an electric vehicle company called Bird.

The town is teaming with Bird on the year-long pilot program, which will feature 50 e-scooters that will be placed around town south of Interstate 95.

The eco-friendly transportation option can be activated through Bird's free mobile phone app, found at Birdapp.com, and "used to replace gas-powered car trips when going to the store, meeting up with friends, exploring the community and taking many other daily trips," officials said.

To use one of the e-scooters, a rider must be 18 years old or older; a first-time riders guide can be found here.

The e-scooters can be ridden from one location to another and left there, and do not need a docking station. Nick Mirabile, who oversees the maintenance of the Fairfield fleet of e-scooters, told Patch that the vehicles have GPS tracking, and will be picked up by his team, and cleaned, maintained and recharged regularly.

While the Fairfield program is starting with 50 e-scooters, more could be added in the future if the demand is there.

Mirabile expects some e-scooters will be used by commuters, while others will be used by shoppers, beach-goers and sightseers, among others.

The e-scooters will be available daily from 5 a.m. to midnight for $1.20/ride plus an additional fee of $.49/minute.

Additionally, each rider must provide proof of age and a driver's license, as well as participate in
pre-ride safety training. Users can view a safe riding webpage before their first
outing.

The Bird e-scooters will initially operate within a reduced footprint within Fairfield, generally south of I-95, from Southport to Commerce Drive. If a rider attempts to leave that area with one of the vehicles, it will sound an alarm and begin to slow down before stopping altogether.

"It's a good way to make short trips," said Fairfield Community and Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart. "Especially with the price of gas the way it is."

Deputy Police Chief Keith Broderick said if people ride them responsibly, the e-scooters could be a benefit to the town, because they could help reduce traffic congestion.

"They're fun and easy to ride," Broderick said. "Time will tell how well they work out."

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, who had a big smile on her face while riding one of the e-scooters during a demonstration Tuesday, said in a statement that she hopes the public enjoys them.

"I am excited to welcome Bird to Fairfield in a pilot program to allow residents to test out an alternative mode of transportation that is certainly welcome given the current state of gas prices," Kupchick said. "Fairfield is committed to innovating and embracing new modes of transit and I hope residents enjoy this new option."

Bird is offering a number of features and benefits to riders in Fairfield, which include:

• Community Pricing: Bird’s inclusive Community Pricing Programoffers a 50 percent discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans and senior citizens. Those who qualify can sign up by downloading the Bird app, creating an account and emailing proof of eligibility to access@bird.co.
• Free Rides for Healthcare Workers and Emergency Personnel: To recognize the individuals whose work continues to be so crucial to the health and safety of our communities, Bird offers free rides to healthcare workers and emergency personnel. Those who qualify can sign up by emailing a copy of their medical identification card, name and phone number to together@bird.co. Eligible riders receive two free 30-minute rides per day.
• Community Mode: Bird values community input. Anyone with a Bird account can report or provide feedback on vehicle-related issues such as poorly parked or damaged vehicles in their area by tapping the yield sign on the bottom left of the in-app Bird map. When a report is submitted, someone is assigned to correct the issue.