Santa Monica, Calif.-based electric scooter sharing company Bird has made its dockless e-scooter available in Calgary, marking the first city as part of the company’s expansion into Canada.
Following the Calgary launch, the e-scooter is expected to launch in more Canadian cities.
The company announced it would be launching in Canada earlier in the summer, and creating a subsidiary company, Bird Canada. The company chose Alberta for its first Canadian location due to the province’s efforts in tackling climate change and traffic congestion by adopting e-scooters as a way to reduce the number of cars on the road.
“Bird Canada is committed to providing alternative transportation options that are desirable for consumers and that reduce traffic congestion,” said Bird Canada CEO, Stewart Lyons, when the company first announced the expansion. “Alberta is leading the way in Canada by offering residents and commuters an innovative, fun, and affordable way to travel between transit centers, their workplace, and other destinations within cities.”
Bird’s app allows users to find and book nearby scooters, similar to the experience on a ride-sharing app, which makes sense, considering the company was founded by Travis VanderZanden, a former executive at both Lyft and Uber. The startup, which launched in September 2017, runs its electric scooter service in over 100 cities in North America and Europe, with 10 million rides completed in its first year of operation.
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The new subsidiary, Bird Canada, will be Canadian-owned and -operated and has committed investments from Obelysk, Relay Ventures, and Alate Partners. Following the Calgary launch, the e-scooter is expected to launch in more Canadian cities.
“Everyone should have access to micro-mobility options that help make cities more livable,” said VanderZanden in June. “Bird Canada makes this vision a reality for Canadians by delivering a sustainable and affordable transportation alternative and advances our shared climate and traffic reduction goals. The Bird Canada team’s deep local knowledge and operating experience coupled with Bird’s expertise in service, operations, safety, and technology are an ideal combination to address the transportation needs of all Canadians.”
Image courtesy Bird via Instagram