(Photo Credit: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com)
If you or someone you travel with needs a personal transportation solution, Seattle and San Jose just became considerably more accessible.
Bird, the on-demand scooter and bike provider, partnered with personal transportation solution provider Scootaround last year to launch the On-Demand Accessible Mobility program. Using the solution, people with disabilities can find, reserve, and pay for one of three accessible vehicle types using a custom rider interface in the Bird app.
The service is available in a growing number of U.S. cities, which now includes Seattle as well as San Jose, California.
“Bird riders in Seattle and San Jose now benefit from exclusive discounts and have unique access to a variety of accessible vehicles, including the WHILL Model Ci2,” Bird explains. “These vehicles offer greater independence to those with mobility issues by helping them navigate hills and long distances in a city.”
Available vehicles include both three- and four-wheeled scooter options with an attached basket, as well as the WHILL Model Ci2 power chair.
Eco-Friendly Transportation For Everyone
Bird’s mission is to provide eco-friendly transportation for everyone, so it was natural for Bird to expand operations to include on-demand accessible mobility.
“Bird’s commitment to improving sustainable mobility access for everyone means partnering with industry experts whose mission parallels our own,” Rebecca Hahn, chief corporate social responsibility officer at Bird, said in a statement. “Together with Scootaround, we’re able to bring a trusted, on-demand, personal transportation service to those with disabilities. This is incredibly important to our team, and we believe it’s just as valuable to the communities we serve.”
After launching a pilot in the Bronx borrough of New York City, the On-Demand Accessible Mobility program was rolled out in San Diego, San Francisco, and now Seattle and San Jose. More cities, including Chicago, are expected to be added to the list this year.
How The Program Works
To begin a reservation, prospective riders simply tap a clearly marked button at the bottom of the Bird app’s screen. While making a reservation, users can select their desired accessible vehicle type, rental length (up to 3 days), and select a convenient pick-up and drop-off location. There’s also a toll-free phone number if users have a question while making a reservation.
When the vehicle is delivered, riders will receive an in-person lesson to explain how to use, charge, and store the accessible vehicle during the rental period.
You can also download the Bird app here, and you can learn more about the Bird and Scootaround partnership here.
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