Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP - Getty ImagesBird, the bike-sharing and scooter company, has launched a pilot program to offer accessible mobility vehicles to people with disabilities that can be rented in New York City this summer.AdvertisementBird announced that it has partnered with Scootaround (a top scooter and wheelchair rental agency) to pilot what it described as a first-of its-kind accessible mobility program. The Bird app will allow individuals to search for and reserve any of three accessible vehicles that the companies have available, including the WHILL Model Ci2 powered chair.Bird didn't specify which models they would rent, but said that they would offer three- and four-wheel scooters with an attached basket. Scootaround charges $125 to $195 for a scooter rental for one week in certain U.S. cities.Scootaround's CEO Kerry Renaud stated in the news announcement that Bird and his company share the belief that everyone should have access to mobility.Renaud stated that micromobility options like shared bikes and scooters are growing rapidly, so it is important to ensure that these benefits, as well as those with disabilities, are made available to everyone.Individuals can choose an accessible vehicle option in the Bird app to reserve a vehicle. Bird explained that this will allow you to choose your vehicle type and the duration of the rental. You can also pick up and drop off the vehicle at a convenient location. Riders will also receive an in-person tutorial on the day of delivery to learn how to charge, store, and use their vehicle during the rental period.Bird stated that it will roll out accessibility mobility services in other cities by 2021, based on the success of its pilot program in New York City.
