The response to Bird’s new Global Ride Pass has been swift, and it’s making a clear statement about the importance of micromobility access programs in cities globally.
In less than two weeks, tens of thousands of ride passes have already been applied by scooter riders around the world—an average daily number that has only increased as more city Ride Pass programs have progressively come online.
The high percentage of unlimited ride passes being accessed is particularly encouraging. These options, available on either a daily or a monthly basis, tend to support repeat riders and those who travel longer distances on scooters.
“Programs that increase e-scooter access and affordability, like Bird’s Global Ride Pass, are very important in Palermo,” said Leoluca Orlando, Mayor of Palermo, Italy. “Our residents rely on these vehicles every day to service their mobility needs without relying on private cars. When operators and cities work together to find solutions that make micromobility more affordable for repeat riders, that’s how meaningful, long-lasting modeshift is achieved.”
Bird’s Global Ride Pass Benefits Local Riders and Businesses
Such improvements to mobility access are poised to provide far-reaching benefits to cities.
Recent Bird data has shown that the percentage of riders who access our scooters in their home cities has jumped dramatically from 70%-80% to above 99% in response to the COVID pandemic. This means that the vast majority of our Global Ride Pass options are being applied by local riders.
The savings may also have a direct impact on local businesses as well. According to a new study from Emory University’s Goizueta School of Business, e-scooters already drive millions of dollars’ worth of consumer spending at local shops and restaurants. Programs such as Global Ride Pass can help stimulate even more economic spending locally by reducing the cost per scooter ride and freeing up additional disposable income.
“The more that can be done to encourage affordable, accessible ridership, the more likely we are to see the economic boost associated with shared e-scooters increase,” said Daniel McCarthy, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Emory University and co-author of the shared e-scooter study.
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