Montpelier completes trial of electric Bird scooters

(WCAX)
Published: Nov. 22, 2018 at 2:46 PM EST
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Montpelier has completed its trial run of electric Bird scooters in the city.

California-based Bird dropped 100 scooters in Montpelier in October for a trial period. The scooters could be activated with a smartphone app.

City officials say the scooters were popular but they got off to a rocky start. Assistant City Manager Susan Allen says no major crashes or injuries were reported to the city. The city tracked calls and emails, both positive and negative, and will prepare a report for the City Council which is expected to decide in the spring if the scooters will return.

"I would say the first week they got off to a rocky start. They were up on sidewalks and they were zipping in and out of traffic. But as time went on, people seemed to learn how to use them and obey traffic rules, and I think it got a little bit easier to have Birds in the city. So, we'll see what the City Council thinks about that," Allen said.

Allen says a common complaint was riding on sidewalks or without helmets. Helmets were not required but were recommended.