Bird and Lime are the top e-scooter rental companies in Europe. Their journey started in the United States, But now they are found in all big cities across the west.
The scooter-classic that Bird had begun with was the Xiaomi M365. Then Ninebot-Segway ES2, Bespoke Scooters, Xiaomi 1S, Ninebot-Segway ES4 came to the streets one by one.
The company has launched its Bird Scooters, thanks to the billion-dollar investment worldwide.
History of Bird
“BIRD” the micro-mobility startup belongs to the dockless electric scooter-sharing industry. It was founded by Travis VanderZanden in September 2017.
Zanden has previously worked with companies like Lyft and Uber.
The Bird was born in Santa Monica, California. Its headquarters are located there too.
In the shortest period, “Bird” had the most jam-packed history of all! From becoming the fastest billion-dollar company to exterminating 1,060 employees over a social media group chat.
How Many Cities Have Bird Scooters?
Since their inception, Bird has covered over 100 cities in Europe, the Middle East, and North America so far in less than 5 years.
In the first year alone, the company generated a staggering 10 million rides.
No other company has done it the way Bird did it. They are now introducing their low-speed electric scooters to India.
What Scooters Does Bird Use?
1. Bird Three
The “Bird Three” is all the way here to make you drivers ride micro-electric scooters standing.
According to Bird, this one is the most eco-conscious scooter in the world; featuring the most sustainable battery, unrivaled durability, industry-leading braking, smart acceleration technology, proprietary bird operating system, real-time diagnostics, intuitive handling, and exceptional visibility.
Design and Material
The Bird Three is larger in size, has a taller deck and broader handlebars. The bars come with an anti-microbial coating to prevent germ transmission.
The scooter bellies a big 1 kWh built-in battery to support sustainability.
Bird claims they didn’t put swappable batteries as a precaution against the climate change anxiety.
Speed and Range
With smart acceleration technology, Bird Three runs 25-27 miles on a single charge and the speed reaches around 18-20 mph.
The Dual-Sensor Throttle gives you absolute accuracy when controlling speed. For new riders, the Beginner Mode offers a gentle acceleration option.
Comfort and Safety Features
To best comfort the riders, Bird Three has exciting features like the anti-tip kickstand, automotive-grade self-sealing pneumatic tires, multi-material chassis, and excellent braking capabilities that promise an overall better birding experience.
Exclusive features like Auto-calibration and anti-theft encryption works under the Proprietary Bird Operating System to ensure the highest personal safety for you.
Digital Connectivity
Using real-time diagnostics, “Bird” directly detects any fault in the scooter and responds to potential issues.
Furthermore, all the components of Bird Three are constantly monitored by over 200 fully customizable on-vehicle sensory inputs.
Pros
Bird explained, to achieve desired climate goals, we must electrify 90% of all our vehicles as soon as we can.
Then added, micro-electric vehicles will replace the good old gas-powered two-ton automobiles in cities before the end of the decade. Riders will prefer individual transporters to meet the short-distance travel needs.
Cons
Though many like these scooter companies for offering city-dwellers a more accessible and fun way to get around while minimizing their dependence on heavy vehicles, some are not happy with the excessive proliferation of them.
Not having docking stations like other e-bike startups, the city sidewalks are crowded with these rolling Birds.
2. Ninebot KickScooter by Segway Es4
Segway, the beloved American e-scooter brand which also happens to have its hands on robotics, has released its newest upgrade after ES2 and ES3.
Design and Material
The sleek yet bold deck and comfortable handlebars of ES4 instantly grab your attention at first glance.
The large solid non-pneumatic tires, double brake, neck-and-tail shock absorption, built-in front LED lights, water resistance, and dual battery-like options make it a perfect scooter to roll on.
Speed and Range
Ninebot Segway ES4 is a powerful scooter with a top speed of 19 mph and a range of some 28 miles.
For those who don’t want to deal with typical city transports, you may consider this model as it offers a pretty long range.
Comfort and Safety
The UL 2272 certified ES4 KickScooter performs well when it’s a safety question. Since the scooter has lithium-ion batteries, you should not overcharge it.
The front and rear lights let you see forward and be seen from behind; which is important.
When you hit something hard on the go, the shock absorption technology protects and provides you with comfortable rides.
Control Panel
To note essential Infos like riding mode, speed, and battery life, watch the LED screen on ES4. And Segway does have a Bluetooth app in case you want it on your mobile device.
Cons
No doubt Segway is a reliable brand compared to the Asian ones. However, a few downsides with ES4 are – The wheels are not for the rough terrains, they are better with fine city streets.
To have an external battery is fantastic, but there are other similar options offered with way less cost out there.
People after build quality should not skip away from the ES4 anytime soon.
3. Segway Es2
Segway Ninebot ES2 Electric Kick Scooter is the lightweight predecessor of Ninebot KickScooter by Segway ES4 that you can carry with one hand.
Design and Material
The superior technology, big solid tires, and shock absorption facility makes the ES2 standout.
This foldable kick scooter is designed with lively ambient color lights which are awesomely customizable.
Speed and Range
The 300W motor allows such power to travel 15.5 miles per hour and its anti-lock braking system ensures efficient control. The ES2 can run about 16 miles.
Comfort and Safety
As Segway maintains the quality building, the scooter gives you a solid feel while riding.
It’s great to have 3 different riding modes. Regenerative braking along with anti-shock ability make the ES2 desirable.
Control Panel
The best feature to find on the cockpit area of ES2 is the LCD which you can see pretty well even under the brightest sun.
Looking at it, you can keep accounts of the features like lights, speed, battery, mode, and so on. The lackluster powered accelerator works fine and has excellent mechanical control.
Digital Connectivity
The digital connectivity on the ES2 is incredible. You can download the Segway-Ninebot App for iOS and Android, input the information, and watch the Bluetooth icon blinking to connect with your phone.
Cons
A few things that ES2 couldn’t pull off
- Price
- Wheel Feature
- Reparability
A new Segway ES2 costs more than $500. In this price range today, you can go for other options exceeding more.
as the tires are airless.
The airless tire makes it get wacky on the uneven surface, undermining the anti-shocking efficiency.
It’s also hard to repair the ES2.
Only the “Segway Ninebot Repair Facility” will handle it for you when a repair is needed because the replacement parts do not exist everywhere else.
4. Xiaomi Mi M365
The Chinese-built Bird-used Xiaomi Mi M365 is the most popular scooter in the world. This classic is available in 2 different versions.
a) The Common Version
b) The Europe Version
The EU version comes with better accessories and extra parts like spare tires, EU plug, power adapter, extending nozzle, wrench, and screws.
Design and Material
This 8-inch folding electric kick skateboard has a likable design. The aerospace-grade aluminum frame makes it durable and lightweight at the same time.
Its easy-to-use features include a comfortable and intimate non-slip handle, push-type accelerator, clear-to-see power display, and one-button mode switcher.
The combination of ventilated disk brake and E-ABS technology in Mi M365 empowers efficient 4 meters braking.
Speed and Range
At a max speed, its 8.5-inch tires can get you 25 km/h or 16 mp/h. Mi M365’s 30 x 18650mAh lithium battery units offer a 30 km travel distance.
Comfort and Safety
Xiaomi showed some solid dedication to producing quality products that are safe and affordable.
When the aviation-grade aluminum alloy hook of M365 became a problem for riders between September 2017 and October 2018, the brand agreed to offer a stainless steel hook replacement.
For vehicle safety, we always think of the brake first. The M365 is well known for its dual brakes, classic handlebar bell, and convenient lighting.
Another comfort feature that seeks your attention is the gorgeous skid-resistant inflatable tires of the Xiaomi Mi M365 that absorbs shock like liquid.
Compared to thick-solid tires, these are more capable for the different types of terrains.
Control Panel & Digital Connectivity
Xiaomi’s bestseller electric scooter Mi M365 holds an LED on top that shows important things like the current mode, speed, and battery.
The one-button-many-options is a plus. The scooter can be controlled with Bluetooth and the app as well.
Cons
Your motor peak power can be increased using a microcontroller that comes with the new expensive dashboard. But it’s dangerous having motor power increased, while the brakes are the same.
Unleash full motor power, and you will notice your battery draining fast.
To use the maximum strength of your motor, you must put on a second battery set. Then modifying your “M365” will render the warranty invalid.
FAQs
1. What is the fastest electric scooter?
Ans: As of now, “Dualtron X’’ can travel at a mad speed of 55 mp/h (88.5 km/h). It became the fastest of all the electric scooters in the world. This ground-breaking tech is brought to us by MiniMotors USA.
2. What time of the day do Bird and Lime scooters stop?
Ans: At about sunset each evening, the chargers (people paid for charging the scooters) begin collecting the birds for an overnight recharge.
Ready-to-roll birds are replaced in their nests before 7 in the morning for the riders every day.
“Limes” are operated in a very similar way.
Leave a Comment