Yahoo Autos Bird Adds an Electric Moped to its Fleet of App-Accessible Scooters
Bird's fleet of electric mobility devices that you rent off the street using an app will grow to include a moped this summer.
The two-person Cruiser was designed and engineered in California and has enough power to tackle hills.
Its rad looks and comfortable padded seat should make it an easy favorite among Bird app users.
Joining Bird's already ubiquitous black-and-white scooters this summer is the company's Cruiser moped. Rather than stand on one of the single-rider electric scooters, users of the Bird app will be able to rent time on the Cruiser which seats two.
We haven't given the Cruiser a proper test drive, but we'd like to. Like other electric-powered vehicles and e-bikes, the moped's power delivery should add excitement to urban travel. Bird's website claims that the onboard motor is strong enough to tackle hills, so it must be reasonably powerful; hydraulic disc brakes provide the stopping power. Helmet usage is still recommended.
"Designed and engineered in California, Bird Cruiser is an inclusive electric-powered option that is approachable, easy to ride, and comfortable on rough roads,” said Travis VanderZanden, founder and CEO of Bird.
We aren't yet sure what sort of range the Cruiser's 52-volt battery will provide or how long it will take to recharge. The smaller scooter, according to this handy e-scooter breakdown from CNET, can go about 15 miles and provides a maximum speed of 15 mph. The Cruiser's larger battery and more powerful motor are sure to provide a higher top speed and longer range. Pedals are also provided in case the battery runs out of juice before you reach your destination.
Besides being fun and environmentally friendly transportation, the Cruiser also looks cool. It rides on 20-inch wheels with a full suspension to help soak up bumps and the whole thing is painted in Bird's classic black and white color scheme; a big front headlamp lights the way at night and an LCD readout on the handle bars displays the moped's speed and charge level.
The Bird Cruiser will be available in select markets this summer before rolling out to other areas. Renting one will likely cost more than the standard scooter, which can be used for a few dollars, but the company hasn't yet released pricing information. There's also no word yet on whether or not the company will offer a version for sale.
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