To use a Bird scooter, first download the app and create an account, verifying your ID to meet age and local requirements. Release the scooter by scanning its QR code or entering the code in the app.
Start by pushing off gently, use the throttle smoothly for acceleration, and always maintain balance. Park only in designated zones and end your ride through the app to avoid fees and guarantee safety.
Following these steps carefully will help you ride responsibly and confidently—there’s more to learn about staying safe and compliant.
Key Takeaways
- Download the Bird app, create an account, and complete ID verification to unlock and rent a scooter.
- Scan the scooter’s QR code or enter its code in the app to start your ride.
- Push off with one foot, then use the throttle gently to accelerate while maintaining balance.
- Park only in designated zones, avoid obstructing pathways, and use the app to confirm proper parking.
- Follow local laws, wear visible clothing, and report any malfunctions or incidents through the app.
Eligibility and Account Setup
Wondering if you qualify to ride a Bird scooter? You generally need to be at least 18 years old, and some states, like California, require a valid driver’s license for legal operation.
Most states don’t demand a special e-scooter license, but you should verify local laws before riding. Proper maintenance and regular servicing are essential for ensuring your scooter provides a safe and long-lasting ride, so understanding maintenance best practices is beneficial.
If you’re eligible for government assistance, you can apply for the Bird Access Program by submitting proof of eligibility and a government-issued ID. This program offers reduced riding prices for low-income riders.
To get started, download the Bird app and create an account with your full name, phone number, and email. You’ll need to submit required documents for verification.
Unlocking and Starting the Scooter
Before you release a Bird scooter, make sure you’ve downloaded the app and completed the ID verification process. This step is essential to guarantee your ride is authorized and secure.
Without proper setup, you won’t be able to start or activate the scooter. Additionally, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your device to allow the app to communicate with the scooter’s lock Bluetooth enablement.
App Download and Setup
How do you get started with a Bird scooter? First, download the Bird app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store; verify your device runs iOS 15.0 or later or is compatible with Android. The download is quick, and the app supports English with a 4+ age rating.
Next, set up your account by entering your personal details and adding a payment method like a credit card or PayPal. Once logged in, the app displays nearby scooters on a map, showing real-time locations and pricing.
Finally, to activate a scooter, tap the activate button and scan the QR code on the handlebar or enter the code manually.
ID Verification Process
Although scanning the scooter’s QR code initiates access, you’ll first need to complete an ID verification to confirm you’re at least 18 and eligible to ride.
After scanning or entering the scooter code, the app prompts you to submit a government-issued ID, typically a driver’s license. You’ll select your ID’s country and type, then upload a clear photo of the front—and sometimes the back.
This upload process is straightforward once prompted after scanning or manual entry. Proper verification helps ensure a safer experience by reducing risks associated with unqualified users.
For added security, the app may request a selfie to match your face with the ID using advanced recognition technology. This process takes about eight seconds, preventing underage or unauthorized use.
Once verified, tap release to scan the QR code or enter the scooter code. Remember to comply with local laws before you start riding safely. Following safety protocols is essential for an enjoyable and secure ride.
Basic Riding Techniques
Wondering how to get started safely on a Bird scooter? First, place one foot firmly on the footboard and push off the ground with the other to gain momentum. Once moving, press the throttle gently with your thumb to accelerate. Initial push start is necessary to ensure the scooter moves only when you’re ready.
Here are key riding techniques to master:
- Control speed smoothly using the throttle and brake gradually to avoid sudden jerks. Always inspect the scooter before riding to ensure all parts are securely locked and functioning properly.
- Maintain balance by standing with feet evenly on the footboard, leaning slightly forward, and keeping arms relaxed but firm.
- Navigate turns by leaning your body slightly and steering gently without abrupt movements.
- Scan ahead constantly to anticipate obstacles and maintain a safe, comfortable speed.
Safety Guidelines and Legal Requirements
Before you hop on a Bird scooter, you need to follow essential safety guidelines and legal requirements designed to protect you and others. You must be at least 18 years old, and the app will confirm your age before riding.
Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended and required in many places to prevent head injuries. Additionally, ensure that your scooter’s brake system is functioning properly before each ride for maximum safety.
Ride only in bike lanes or roads with speed limits at or below 25 mph; avoid sidewalks and heavy traffic. Be mindful of pedestrian pathways and avoid encroaching on walkways.
Keep both hands on the handlebars, both feet on the footboard, and maintain a safe speed under 15 mph. Use one rider per scooter, obey all traffic signs, and keep a six-foot distance from others.
Parking and Ending Your Ride
When you finish your ride, make certain to park the Bird scooter in designated zones like bike racks or curbside areas to avoid blocking sidewalks or access points. Using durable, weather-resistant wood for a wheel chock ensures long-lasting stability for motorcycles.
Always use the Bird app to confirm your parking spot and follow prompts to end your ride, including submitting a photo as proof.
Look for designated parking spots marked with a “P” in the app; red zones indicate no parking or riding. Properly ending your ride helps prevent fines and ensures the scooter is available for the next user.
Proper Parking Zones
Properly parking your Bird scooter guarantees safety, accessibility, and compliance with local regulations. To park correctly, follow these key points:
- Park near bike racks or curbs without blocking sidewalks, doorways, or driveways, ensuring at least 54 inches of pedestrian path clearance. Sidewalk parking is permitted only if the scooter is upright and does not impede ADA access or parking for persons with disabilities. Understanding the clutch engagement can help riders smoothly maneuver their scooter into proper parking spots.
- Avoid obstructing handicapped ramps, emergency zones, public transit stops, or utility equipment.
- Use the Bird app’s photo feature to confirm proper placement and check for city-specific mandatory parking zones marked with “P.”
- In cities requiring locks, secure your scooter to bike racks or designated posts without blocking pedestrian access. Scooters must not block parking spaces, loading zones, curb ramps, transit infrastructure, driveways, building entrances, or emergency facilities to ensure accessibility & obstruction restrictions.
Always avoid red and grey no-parking zones indicated in the app to prevent fines or penalties. Stick to blue operational areas for parking to maintain order and safety.
Ending Ride Process
Although ending your Bird ride might seem straightforward, following the correct parking and ride-ending steps guarantees safety, compliance, and avoids unnecessary charges.
Park your scooter only in designated zones shown on the app, avoiding sidewalks, doorways, ADA ramps, and bus stops. Proper maintenance routines help extend scooter life and ensure smooth operation.
After parking, open the app and tap ‘End Ride.’ You’ll need to snap a photo confirming proper parking before the ride officially ends and billing stops.
Remember, Bird charges by the minute, so end promptly. The scooter locks automatically to prevent unauthorized use, but if you own it personally, power it down to conserve battery.
Avoid obstructing pedestrians or vehicles, follow local laws, and always check app notifications for updated parking rules to ensure a safe, responsible ride completion. Make sure you tap ‘End rental’ in the app immediately to complete the process.
Handling Accidents and Reporting Issues
Since accidents involving Bird scooters can lead to serious injuries and complex liability issues, you should act swiftly to report the incident and document all relevant details.
First, call the police immediately to obtain an official accident report. Next, report the incident to Bird via the app, but don’t admit fault or speculate.
Third, seek medical attention regardless of injury severity to document harm properly. Finally, collect evidence at the scene—photos, videos, and witness contacts—to support any claims, because determining liability is crucial for potential legal action. It is also important to stabilize the scene to prevent further harm or confusion.
Additionally, promptly report scooter malfunctions through Bird’s app to prevent future accidents. Maintaining detailed records of injuries, treatments, and expenses is essential if you pursue compensation or legal action.
Tips for Riding in Winter Conditions
When riding a Bird scooter in winter, you need to prioritize visibility and protection against the cold to stay safe. Wear bright, reflective clothing and add flashing lights to your helmet or jacket to be seen in fog or snow. Layer warm, insulated clothes without restricting movement. Use reflective tape on your gear to increase visibility in low-light conditions.
Reduce your speed markedly—icy and wet surfaces increase stopping distances and lower traction. Maintain larger gaps from other riders and avoid sudden turns to prevent slips. Use “Beginner Mode” for smoother acceleration on slippery roads.
Before riding, check tire pressure and battery health, fully charging as cold drains power faster. Always ride in salted or cleared paths, follow local winter laws, and park scooters responsibly to avoid blocking narrowed sidewalks or ramps. These tips help you stay safe and compliant during winter rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Bird Scooters Internationally or Only in Specific Cities?
You can only use Bird scooters in specific cities where the service operates, primarily major urban areas in North America and Europe.
The scooters are geofenced, so you won’t be able to access or ride them outside authorized zones. You’ll need the regional Bird app, and local laws apply.
International use isn’t supported, and subscriptions or promotions won’t transfer across borders, so plan accordingly before relying on Bird abroad.
Are There Any Subscription Plans or Discounts Available for Frequent Riders?
Yes, Bird offers subscription plans called Ride Passes that give you discounts on accessing fees and per-minute rates, making rides more cost-effective if you use scooters often. You can choose daily to monthly plans, depending on your needs and city availability.
Additionally, Bird’s Community Plan provides discounted rates for seniors, veterans, and low-income riders, requiring proof of eligibility. Always check local options carefully to confirm you qualify and save.
How Is Bird Scooter Maintenance and Battery Charging Managed?
You manage Bird scooter maintenance by regularly checking brakes, tires, fenders, steering, and the neck sleeve before each ride. For battery charging, always turn off the scooter, use the specified charger, and charge through the designated port.
Never modify electrical parts or expose batteries to moisture. Clean the scooter gently, avoid harsh chemicals, and store it indoors or under cover to protect battery life and safety. Replace worn parts immediately.
What Should I Do if I Lose My Phone During a Ride?
If you lose your phone during a ride, first try accessing the Bird app on another device or use services like Find My iPhone to locate it. Contact Bird support immediately to suspend the ride and secure your account.
If you suspect theft, notify local authorities. Always change your account passwords and inform your mobile carrier to prevent unauthorized use. Acting quickly helps protect your phone, scooter, and personal data.
Can I Customize Scooter Settings Beyond Beginner Mode?
You can’t customize Bird scooter settings beyond Beginner Mode through the app. The system limits user adjustments to guarantee safety and consistent performance.
Advanced modifications like speed, acceleration, or torque adjustments are controlled remotely by Bird’s engineers for maintenance and safety reasons. You can only toggle operational modes like Sleep Mode, but deeper customization isn’t available. Always stick to the provided settings to avoid voiding warranties or compromising scooter safety.
Ride Smart, Ride Safe: Your Bird Journey Starts Here
Now that you know how to use a Bird scooter safely and responsibly, it’s time to hit the road with confidence. Remember, every ride is a chance to enjoy freedom—but also demands caution. Like a dance with the city, mastering balance, obeying laws, and parking properly keep you and others safe.
So gear up, stay alert, and treat each trip as both an adventure and a responsibility. Your smooth ride starts with smart choices.