Transporting Bird Scooters: Rules and Tips for Taking a Scooter in Your Car

Have you ever spotted a Bird scooter and thought about taking it with you for the day or questioned if it's possible to transport it in your car for a ride elsewhere? In this article, we explore the feasibility and proper procedure for transporting Bird e-scooters.

First, let's address the primary question – can you take a Bird scooter in your car? The short answer is: it depends on several factors, including the rules set by the company, the type of your car, and the legality in your local jurisdiction.

Bird scooters are designed for short trips and are typically rented through an app that tracks the scooter's location. Bird's user agreement typically stipulates that the scooter should not be moved while not in active rental mode. This is to ensure scooters remain available and easily accessible to other users. Picking up a scooter without renting it or moving it significant distances may be against Bird's terms of service.

However, if you're actively renting the scooter and need to transport it briefly in your vehicle to get to your destination, here are several steps and tips:

Ensure Compatibility: Check your vehicle's size and trunk space. Most electric scooters, including those from Bird, can be folded. Ensure that your car has adequate space to accommodate the folded scooter.

Rent the Scooter Legally: Always rent the scooter through the official Bird app. This legitimizes your use of the scooter and covers you under Bird's terms of use.

Secure the Scooter: It's crucial to ensure the scooter is secured in your vehicle to prevent it from becoming a projectile in case of a sudden stop.

Respect Parking Rules: Once you transport the scooter to a new location, park it responsibly in designated areas to avoid inconveniencing others or violating local regulations.

Finish Your Trip Appropriately: End your trip within the app once you have reached your destination and the scooter is parked legally.

Please note that taking a Bird scooter outside of its operational area, even in your vehicle, violates Bird's policy. You should avoid crossing these boundaries to prevent being penalized.

In conclusion, while it might be technically possible to transport an active rental Bird scooter in your own car, you should always stay within the guidelines set by Bird and your local authorities. If you plan to use a Bird scooter at a destination away from where you found it, consider reaching out to Bird customer service to clarify their policy on transporting scooters in private vehicles to stay compliant with their rules.

Following these recommendations will help you stay in good standing with Bird, ensure the accessibility of scooters for all users, and contribute to a friendly, shared urban environment.