Your first ride, made easy

Before you start, take a moment to get familiar with the scooter. Brake placement and throttle feel can vary by model — a quick once-over before you ride goes a long way.

Starting your ride

Place your feet on the deck and give yourself a small push to get rolling. Then ease into the throttle on the right handlebar — it's responsive, so take it smooth.

Steering & speed

Lean gently into turns. The Bird app shows local speed limits before every ride — stay within them, and match your speed to the conditions around you.

Stopping

Use the brakes to slow down gradually. Avoid braking hard or suddenly, especially the front brake — squeeze evenly and give yourself space.

Where to ride

Stick to bike lanes where they exist. Do not ride on sidewalks. Obey traffic signals and street signage. One rider per scooter — no passengers.

Parking

Find a designated parking zone, kick the stand down, and take the in-app photo to end your ride. Keep sidewalks, ramps, and building entrances fully clear. Blocking access is subject to fees.

A few rules that matter

Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Riding impaired puts you and everyone around you at risk.

E-bikes have pedal assist and/or a throttle depending on the model — take a moment before you ride to understand which you're on and how the assist levels work.

Starting your ride

Adjust the seat for your height. Pedal to engage the motor on pedal-assist models, or ease into the throttle if your model has one. The assist can feel stronger than expected at first — start slow and get a feel for it before picking up speed.

Steering & speed

E-bikes are heavier than regular bikes, so give yourself a little extra space and time to maneuver. The Bird app shows local speed limits — stay within them, and reduce your speed in crowded areas.

Stopping

Use the brakes to slow down — squeeze gradually and give yourself more stopping distance than you would on a regular bike. Avoid hard braking, especially the front brake.

Where to ride

Stick to bike lanes where available. Do not ride on sidewalks — e-bikes are subject to local regulations that may differ from regular bikes, and the app will flag any restrictions in your area. One rider per e-bike. Obey all traffic signals.

Parking

Use designated parking zones, end your ride through the app with a parking photo, and make sure you're not blocking sidewalks, ramps, or building entrances. Improper parking is subject to fees.

A few rules that matter

Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And before every ride, check that the battery has enough charge to get you where you're going.