ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Electric scooters for rent invaded Abilene overnight, giving residents a new way to get around.
Bird Scooters, after entering a contract with Abilene Christian University, brought 75 motorized scooters into the City.
“Abilene Christian University is one of the first universities to enter into an exclusive partnership with Bird,” a press release reveals.
The scooters originated on the ACU campus, but it seems like some have already made their way downtown, and they’re available for anyone to use!
Riders just need to download the Bird App, find a scooter, scan the QR code and ride. Helmets are not provided, so riders are encouraged to bring one from home.
After reaching their destinations, riders just push a button on the app to end their ride and leave the scooters nearby for the next rider. Rides cost $1 initially, then $0.20 per minute. Discounts may be available to riders who qualify for federal or state assistance.
Bird Scooters wants to remind everyone that Abilene traffic regulations prohibit the following:
- Riding on sidewalks
- Riding in public parking structures
- Riding without a helmet
- Riding without a valid driver license
The Abilene Chamber of Commerce says, “The City of Abilene and the Chamber’s Downtown Abilene initiative are working through logistics related to the placement and operation of the scooters. We like the idea of retaining the scooters as a unique transportation method and we welcome the opportunity to work with the Bird and downtown stakeholders to determine long-term guidelines.”
KTAB and KRBC have also reached out to the Abilene Police Department to see if any safety or legal issues will arise from the Bird Scooters.
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