How the new e-scooter program in Gardner works: 'Spurring downtown economic activity'
A unique flock of birds has landed in the Chair City.
Bird, a company that specializes in environmentally friendly electric transportation, in partnership with Gardner, kicked off a pilot program on July 5 that makes available several shared e-scooters in the city.
“I’m really excited to see this new business come to Gardner and I am looking forward to seeing people have a new way to get around the city,” said Mayor Michael Nicholson.
There will be between 40 and 70 of the e-scooters available to rent at various locations across the city, according to a Bird official.
How to use the Bird e-scooters
Here’s what to know about renting one of the several Bird e-scooters available in Gardner.
The first step is to download the Bird app and set up an account and payment method. Open the app to find the nearest available scooter, unlock the scooter by tapping on the icon in the app’s service map and use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code, and start riding.
It is recommended for riders to start moving by kicking forward to gain momentum and then using the thumb accelerator to control the vehicle’s speed. Riders can slow down and stop by applying pressure to the scooter’s handbrake.
At the end of the ride, users should consult the Bird app to find the designated approved parking areas throughout the city, making sure not to leave the scooters in the middle of sidewalks or anywhere else that might cause disruptions for pedestrians or disabled persons.
Valley Florist: Gardner community-sponsored beautification project in full bloom. What to know.
After properly parking the scooter, users should tap the ‘End Ride’ button on the app and then take an in-app photo of the vehicle to ensure it has been parked correctly.
How much does it cost to rent an e-scooter in Gardner?
The cost to use a Bird e-scooter in Gardner is $1 to start, then 49 cents plus tax per minute of use. In addition, a temporary $5 hold may be placed at the start of the ride. Riders must be 18 years of age or older to rent the scooters.
“The availability of Bird scooters in Gardner helps to make our community environmentally friendly and provides another sustainable option for transportation,” said Gardner City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas. “The use of scooters also reduces our carbon footprint locally. I’m glad that our city is participating in such efforts.”
What Bird scooter riders think of having them in Gardner
Lisa Landry, who lives in Athol but makes frequent trips to Gardner, said she had used the Bird scooters during a visit to St. Louis with her husband.
“(We) were a little skeptical at first, not knowing what they were or why they were located in several locations throughout the town,” Landry said, adding that the couple downloaded the Bird app and were soon riding the scooters around the city. “We definitely had a lot of fun and were able to see a lot more of the town having rented them. Highly recommended!”
Redesigning Gardner's downtown: Developers envision 'Downtown Crossing' in Gardner with pedestrian-friendly area
Landry said she felt the community would greatly benefit from the availability of the scooters.
“Gardner does not offer Uber or taxi services so having the scooters in the city can only make it a better place,” she said. “Try one out and you won’t be disappointed.”
Erin Warren of Gardner said she had used the e-scooters during visits to Boston and Los Angeles.
“It’s just a fun way to get around the city,” Warren said. “We enjoyed them so much we actually bought our own.”
But Warren said she wondered if there was a need for the scooters in the community.
“It’s a small city so I don’t know how much use they’ll get for anything but leisure,” she said. “But also, what’s the problem with having them available for people to use for fun?”
Where are Bird scooters in Massachusetts
Gardner is the third city in Massachusetts that Bird will be partnering with, following successful programs in Pittsfield and West Springfield.
“Bird is thrilled to partner with the city of Gardner to offer convenient, affordable transportation options to residents and visitors,” said Lauren Scribi, senior manager of government partnerships at Bird. “Bird e-scooters play an important role in spurring downtown economic activity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions for communities across Massachusetts.”
Bird is a leading micro-mobility company founded in 2017 that aims to make cities more livable by reducing car trips, traffic congestion, and carbon emissions.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Bird shared electric scooter available in Gardner: Cost and directions
