Just in time to kick off summer, here’s another way you can get around downtown Rockford. To bring E-Scooters to the area, The City of Rockford partnered with a shared electric scooter company called Bird Rides, starting on Wednesday, May 19th.

If you plan on using one of the scooters, here is what you need to know:

  • The scooters have a maximum speed of 15 mph and can be used on bike lanes and roads.
  • Scooters must never block driveways and must be parked out of the way of pedestrians.
  • If you want to access the scooters, you must be 18 or older and obey the rules of the road. Helmets are encouraged on every ride.
  • There will be an Electric Scooter Zone which is bordered by Central Avenue, Auburn Street, Morgan Street, and 3rd Street.
  • If the scooter is taken out of the zone, it will be remotely disabled and the user will be charged until it is returned and parked properly back in the zone.

Also, Bird Rides is offering free rides for healthcare workers and emergency personnel. If you would like to sign up, all you have to do is email a copy of your medical identification card along with your name and phone number to together@bird.co.

As long as it takes to help communities to recover from this global health crisis, those eligible riders will receive two free 30-minute rides per day.

If you have any questions or concerns about the e-scooters, the company can be reached directly at 1-866-205-2442 or hello@bird.co. More information about the company can be found on their website and on their blog.

Read more here:

https://wrex.com/2021/05/19/electronic-scooters-now-available-in-rockford-heres-what-you-need-to-know/