The City of Santa Rosa announces the July 1 launch of a one-year electric scooter share pilot program with Bird Rides, Inc. (Bird), an environmentally-friendly electric transportation option. Bird will initially deploy 100 electric Bird Three scooters in the areas around Downtown/Railroad Square, Santa Rosa Junior College, Roseland, and Montgomery Village. To ensure a smooth launch, Bird will release a second migration of the remaining 100 electric scooters on Friday, July 22, 2022. 

Scooter share has emerged in recent years as a popular transportation option, especially in downtown areas, among visitors, for a quick errand, and in tandem with transit to bridge ‘first and last mile’ connections. During the one-year pilot program, Bird will be the only scooter share system permitted to operate within the City. 

Scooter speeds are limited to 15 miles per hour and prohibited from being ridden on sidewalks, in accordance with state law. They are also equipped with geo-fencing technology that detects when a scooter enters a designated ‘slow zone’ or ‘no ride zone’ and decreases the scooters speed accordingly. Designated areas will include those with high pedestrian activity, such as Old Courthouse Square.

The City and Bird are committed to ensuring that scooters do not impede sidewalk accessibility. Scooters must be locked in an upright position to a fixed object, such as a bike rack or street sign. Members of the public are encouraged to report any issues they observe by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-866-205-2440. 

Discounted Pricing, Alternative Payment Methods, and Accessible Scooters

Equity is central to Santa Rosa’s Pilot Program requirements to ensure as many people as possible have access to Bird’s scooters.

• Community Pricing Program: Bird offers qualifying groups such as veterans, students, teachers, senior citizens, and low-income individuals 50% off rides. Click here to apply.
• Alternative Payment Methods: Scooters may be rented by those without a smart phone using the methods outlined here. Scooters may be rented by those without a credit card using the methods outlined here.
• Accessible Mobility Program: People may rent seated scooters at a subsidized price for up to 14 days using the methods outlined here.

Scooters can be located and rented through Bird’s mobile application, which is available for download on Apple and Android.

About the Scooter Share Pilot Program 

Bird was the lone operator awarded a one-year permit through the City’s Scooter Share Pilot Program following a competitive application process. The Pilot Program was approved by Council in December 2021 as part of the City’s efforts to improve mobility options, reduce traffic congestion, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. 

Additional information about scooter and bike share can be found Here.