Bird is launching a limited pilot to test a battery powered attachment for wheelchairs in an effort to increase accessible mobility for disabled persons.
The New York City e-scooter pilot in the Bronx will be expanded this summer. If they qualify, someone from the Bird team will meet them in person to deliver the attachment and show them how to use it.
The installation process takes 30 minutes to an hour with a Bird technician.
Bird expanded its on-demand accessible mobility program with Scootaround, which allows persons with disabilities to find, reserve and pay for certain accessible vehicles.
Lime has an accessibility program called Lime Able, which involves Lime home-delivering adaptive vehicles, like three-wheeled scooters or scooters with a seat, to disabled persons or those who are less confident on the standard scooter for 24 hours.
Bird's wheelchair attachment has a 350 watt motor, a lightweightremovable li-on battery and separate forward and reverse throttles that can allow a rider to go up to 12 miles per hour. The attachment helps riders navigate inclines and long distance trips through the city.
The adaptive program of Bird is helping me move faster and accomplish more. It makes supermarket visits much easier, and it's useful with uphill climbs that would otherwise be very tiring.
Many wheelchairs are paid for through insurance, so it's unclear whether this kind of attachment would void warranties or be against insurance regulations, and Bird did not respond to requests for clarification on the matter. Bird is working with the NYC Department of Transportation, the NYC Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities, and local New York City disability advocates to source participants.
The service is free for Bronx participants.
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