Scooter Program Launches in Ottumwa

Shared electric scooter company Bird Rides has launched its app-based e-scooter program in Ottumwa.

The electric scooters can be used on roads and in bike lanes and have a maximum speed of 15mph.  Scooters must be parked out of the way of pedestrians and never blocking driveways. Riders are required to be 18 years-old and above to access the scooters. They are also encouraged to wear a helmet on every ride and required to obey all standard rules of the road.

Bird offers the following programs that are available for all who qualify:

• Community Pricing Bird’s Community Pricing Program offers a 50% discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans, and senior citizens. It’s designed to be the most inclusive micromobility discount program available anywhere. To sign up for the Community Pricing Program, download the Bird app, create an account, and email your proof of eligibility to access@bird.co.
• Free Rides for Healthcare Workers and Emergency Personnel Bird is proud to offer free rides to healthcare workers and emergency personnel. To sign up, simply email a copy of your medical identification card along with your name and phone number to together@bird.co. Eligible riders will receive two free 30minute rides per day for as long as it takes to help our communities to recover from this global health crisis.
• Community Mode Community Mode allows anyone with a Bird account to report or provide feedback on vehicle-related issues such as poorly parked or damaged vehicles in their area. When a report is submitted, a member of the Bird team is assigned to correct the issue. Anyone can access Community Mode by tapping the yield sign on the bottom left of the Bird map.

If a resident has questions or concerns about the e-scooters or if you encounter an improperly parked e-scooter the company can be reached directly at 1-866-205-2442 or hello@bird.co. More information about the company can be found on their website (www.bird.co) and on their blog (www.bird.co/blog).

There is no cost to the City for this program. The City negotiated an agreement with Bird to make sure that the e-scooter program operates safely and provides a benefit to Ottumwa residents. To provide feedback about the program to City staff, residents can call or email Zach Simonson at 641-683-0694 or at simonsonz@ottumwa.us.