Bird launches iPhone-connected Bird One scooter for fleets & personal ownership
Bird on Wednesday announced the Bird One, an iPhone-connected scooter meant for both its sharing service and personal ownership.
The One uses a steel-reinforced aluminum frame, meant to be more durable than both Bird's first original scooter -- the Zero -- and the Xiaomi M365 and Ninebot ES the company often uses in sharing. It's expected to last over a year in sharing, versus 10 months for the Zero, and just three months for the ES and M365. That's a key factor in whether or not Bird can become profitable.
The new scooter also has a power system that's IP67-rated against rain and dust, with a much greater range, up to 30 miles. There are no exposed cables and quick-access panels are included for service.
Performance-wise the vehicle has a top speed of 18 miles per hour, and can handle hills up to 15% and weights up to 220 pounds. Brakes include a regenerative motor system in the front and a rear drum. The tires are custom, semi-solid pneumatic tubeless designs, which Bird claims should protect against flats while still offering a comfortable ride.
Personal buyers with an iPhone or Android device can track their scooter via GPS and enable a digital lock. An unusual advantage in that regard is access to the Bird Hunter Network, normally intended to track down shared units.
Other perks of ownership include $100 in credit for Bird rides, a one-year warranty, and service at Bird centers in North America and Europe.
The One can be preordered today in black, white, or rose colors for $1,299. Delivery is slated for this summer, but Bird cautions that a "limited quantity" of scooters will be available at first.
People who ride shared scooters can currently try the One out in Los Angeles. From there coverage should grow throughout North America.
The One uses a steel-reinforced aluminum frame, meant to be more durable than both Bird's first original scooter -- the Zero -- and the Xiaomi M365 and Ninebot ES the company often uses in sharing. It's expected to last over a year in sharing, versus 10 months for the Zero, and just three months for the ES and M365. That's a key factor in whether or not Bird can become profitable.
The new scooter also has a power system that's IP67-rated against rain and dust, with a much greater range, up to 30 miles. There are no exposed cables and quick-access panels are included for service.
Performance-wise the vehicle has a top speed of 18 miles per hour, and can handle hills up to 15% and weights up to 220 pounds. Brakes include a regenerative motor system in the front and a rear drum. The tires are custom, semi-solid pneumatic tubeless designs, which Bird claims should protect against flats while still offering a comfortable ride.
Personal buyers with an iPhone or Android device can track their scooter via GPS and enable a digital lock. An unusual advantage in that regard is access to the Bird Hunter Network, normally intended to track down shared units.
Other perks of ownership include $100 in credit for Bird rides, a one-year warranty, and service at Bird centers in North America and Europe.
The One can be preordered today in black, white, or rose colors for $1,299. Delivery is slated for this summer, but Bird cautions that a "limited quantity" of scooters will be available at first.
People who ride shared scooters can currently try the One out in Los Angeles. From there coverage should grow throughout North America.
Comments
Also i'd find very unlike or impossible to make your money back in a year if all you are doing is sharing out the scooter and not using it.
I see people using these at top speeds on sidewalks where elderly people walk. I have seen a lot of close calls where the scooter operator has almost collided with a pedestrian.
In some parts of town, I have seen scooters left in the street, usually by school kids.
its just a matter of time before you see a ban on these unless the industry can figure out how to police where their scooters are and where they can be left without causing problems.
The company is not just selling this model, however. The "sharing" part of the headline refers to the fact that they will be launching these models in cities where they currently operate to replace older scooter models. So if you don't want to own one, it will eventually be an option to rent if there are Bird scooters available for rent in your city.
They are definitely not expecting people to spend $1200 and let random people use it. That is nowhere on their website. It's not a thing.
Just not going to speed that much on what basically is a skateboard with handlebars. You can cram all the tech you want into it, still doesn’t make me want one. A real scooter to me has a seat and can go 45mph and still at the same price point. I rather spend a little more and grab one of those Honda Grom mini bikes.
Two problems with this option.
First, it doesn’t appear to fold like most scooters do.
Second, the most popular and highest rated scooter, the Xiaomi M365 is currently going for $450. This one has only 60% more range for 188% higher cost.