Bird Scooter FAQ
How Do I Find a Scooter? Where Are They Located?
You can always find one and reserve it on the Bird app, but since you can use them and leave them anywhere within the operating area, there are no designated rental locations or charging hubs. The local operators are continually monitoring usage and moving them to popular areas to ensure there are enough to go around and conveniently located.
Where Can You Ride?
The full operating area is visible once you download the Bird app which appears in blue. You can ride nearly anywhere within Beaumont city limits, but there are some boundaries. You cannot go on highways, any street with a speed limit over 35 mph, to Lamar University (for the time being), or beyond into Mid-county.
What Happens if You Go in a No-Ride Zone?
You’ll get a push notification that you’re in a no-ride zone. The scooter won’t kick you off or end the ride, but it won’t provide power until you’re back in a safe zone.
Do I Have to Return the Scooter Where I Got it?
No, but you must leave it in a designated parking area that's out of the way of pedestrians and traffic. Don’t leave it in the middle of a sidewalk, the street, or access ways. Preferred parking locations are marked with a “P” in the app.
Is It Safe? What are the Rules?
It’s essentially as safe as you make it. You’re subject to all the same local rules as other vehicles (alcohol included). The full rider agreement can be viewed here.
How Fast do They Go?
The max speed is 15 mph.
How Much Does It Cost to Ride?
Scooters are $1 to unlock and .39 cents per minute additional (plus tax). An average two-mile ride costs about $10-15.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Ride?
You must be 18+.
Can a Child or a Friend Ride on the Same Scooter as Me?
No, only one rider per scooter is allowed for safety reasons.
Can I Ride with my Family or Friends?
Yes, and it is encouraged! You can choose “Group Ride” in the app to unlock and pay for up to four scooters with one account, but all riders must verify they’re all legally of age and authorized to ride.
Are Helmets Provided?
Helmets are not provided, so either bring your own or ride at your own risk.
Who Maintains the Scooters, Makes Sure They’re Charged, etc?
There are local fleet managers who check on them regularly.
Can People Walk Off with Them?
No, an alarm will go off if you move it without being turned on and a local fleet manager will be notified. They are all GPS monitored (even when dead).
What Should I Do If I Have a Problem?
You can contact hello@bird.co or call +1 (866) 205-2442, their 24/7 support line. You can also report any issues via “Community Mode” in the bottom left-hand corner of the app. It’ll give you three options: report a “Badly Parked Bird,’’ “Damaged Bird,” or “Contact Bird” to reach a team member for support.
What Happens if I Forget to End a Ride or if my Phone Dies Mid-ride?
You will be given a grace period of 10-15 minutes and then the scooter will automatically shut off if it hasn’t moved. The maximum charge for a single trip under such circumstances is $100.
How Long Does the Battery Last?
You can go 16-17 miles on a fully charge scooter. Each scooter's charge level is visible in the app before you rent.
Why Should I Ride One?
For one, it's a fun way to see the sights, but it's also an affordable and sustainable way to get around town. They call it a last-mile, environmentally friendly means of transportation designed to reduce cars on the road for short trips.
Are There Discounts Available?
Yes! 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. To sign up, download the Bird app, create an account, and email your proof of eligibility to access@bird.co.
There are also FREE rides available for healthcare workers and emergency personnel. To sign up, 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 30-minute rides per day for as long as it takes to help the community recover from the global health crisis.
Who Is In Charge of This Program?
The scooters are not a CVB initiative we're merely sharing the information as a fun and exciting new way to see the sights. Bird is an independent electric transportation company that operates globally. They have partnered with the City of Beaumont to bring e-scooters to the city. There are locally contracted fleet managers who maintain the scooters. If you need help, contact hello@bird.co or call +1 (866) 205-2442, their 24/7 support line.
Suggested Scooter Routes
We’ve highlighted notable architecture, photo spots, where to shop, grab a bite, and cool off. While Beaumont in its entirety is relatively large, the downtown is fairly compact and very walkable or bikeable, with most of the major attractions within just 1.5 miles of each other.
