Bird electronic scooters no longer in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Neb. -- Officials said Columbus residents will no longer be able to rent a Bird electronic scooter to ride through town.

Bird Rides Inc., based in Los Angeles, told the City of Columbus that the service will be ending because the company does not see "an immediate path to supporting the near-term requirements for building an enduring business in Columbus.” 

Officials said in the summer of 2021, the Columbus City Council approved Bird Rides Inc. to operate in town.

Bird operated as an independent contractor, placing scooters throughout the community for people ages 18 and older to rent.

City Administrator Tara Vasicek said Bird’s decision was disappointing as she felt the community had enjoyed having the scooters as an option to get around.

“It’s unfortunate. I think overall, the Bird scooters were popular. They were a new and different way of transportation,” Vasicek said. “There are other, similar businesses across the nation. Maybe we will be able to get one of those interested in Columbus.”

In the letter, Bird expressed its appreciation to the city and community while also not ruling out a comeback in the future.

“We are grateful for your partnership and hope to have the opportunity to return in the future as the macroeconomic environment recovers,” said a representative.