Bird Electric Scooters Make Their Way To St. Clair Shores

ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI — St. Clair Shores has partnered with Bird Rides, an e-scooter company that will make scooters available to residents through a mobile phone application, allowing riders an easier commute around the city.

The company, which offers scooters that have become increasingly popular as a socially distanced form of traveling in groups with friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, began its partnership with the city on Monday.

"We are happy to welcome Bird to the city of St. Clair Shores and look forward to having the scooters available," St. Clair Shores Mayor Kip Walby said. "I think they will make a great addition to our community."

In addition to keeping people safer during the pandemic, Bird plans to offer scooters to residents and visitors to help reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion on roadways, the city said.

The electric scooters can be used on roads and bike lanes and have a maximum speed of 15 mph, officials said. The scooters must be parked out of the way of pedestrians and cannot block driveways when parked. Riders also have to be 18 years old or above. Helmets are encouraged.

"Scooters make for a useful way to bridge the gap between transportation and a person's home or work," Walby said. "More transportation options can bring a lot of benefit to the city."