Bird Scooter-Sharing Company May Be Operating Illegally

ST. LOUIS, MO — Just hours after launching a new electric scooter-sharing service in St. Louis, city officials say Bird may be operating illegally. News 4 reports the company did not discuss the launch with the city and does not have a permit. Officials added that the new scooters may be immediately removed.

A Bird spokesperson said the company has submitted the necessary paperwork to operate as a business in St. Louis, pushing back against the city's claims.

"We look forward to working closely with the city so that Bird is a reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation option," the company said in an email.

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Bird's fleet of scooters can be accessed via smartphone app and cost $1 plus $0.15 per minute to ride — that is, if the city doesn't remove them. The scooters can go 15 mph and make it about 15 miles on a single charge, the company said.

The scooters are only available from 7 a.m. to sunset. Each night, the company picks up their scooters for charging and repair, and drops them back off in their "nests" by 7 a.m.

Riders are required to have a valid driver's license and are not allowed to ride on sidewalks. The Arch grounds are also off-limits.

Image via Bird