California State Fullerton soccer player Lauren Turner, 19, died nearly six weeks after being critically injured in a scooter crash involving a box truck near campus. She was celebrated for her joyful personality and leadership on the team. Her teammate Ashlyn Gwynn was also severely injured in the same incident. A candlelight vigil is planned, and the driver of the truck remained at the scene with no arrests made.
China is leading the global push towards sodium-ion batteries, which are used in electric scooters and energy storage, due to their abundance, safety, and potential cost advantages over lithium-ion batteries. Major Chinese companies are rapidly developing and deploying this technology, aiming to reduce dependence on key raw materials and expand clean transportation and energy storage solutions.
Bird Global, once valued at $2 billion, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after facing financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The company, known for its rentable electric scooters, saw a decline in ridership during the pandemic and was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange for failing to maintain its market cap. Behind the scenes, Bird outsourced logistics to contractors, leading to issues with stolen or abused scooters. Additionally, problems with the design of Bird's second-generation scooter, including a flawed hydraulic brake, caused further complications. The story provides insights from former fleet managers who shed light on the challenges faced by the company.
Electric scooter company Bird has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Florida federal court. The company, once valued at $2.5 billion, plans to use the bankruptcy proceedings to facilitate a sale of its assets within the next 90 to 120 days. Bird's popularity declined during the Covid-19 pandemic, and its share price tumbled after going public via a merger in 2021. The company's bankruptcy filing comes after being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange in September. Bird Canada and Bird Europe are not included in the filing and will continue to operate normally.
Electric scooter company Bird, once valued at $2.5 billion, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Florida. The company, which was one of the pioneers in renting out electric scooters, faced financial difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the bankruptcy filing, Bird's services will continue to operate as normal. The company aims to restructure its capital structure and achieve profitability. Bird has faced controversy in the past, including accusations of a toxic corporate culture and inflating revenue. The company's shares lost 90% of their value after its IPO in 2021, and its founder, Travis VanderZanden, left the company earlier this year.
Electric scooter company Bird has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as it seeks to restructure its financials and strengthen its balance sheet. The company's stock has plummeted since going public in 2021, leading to its delisting from the NYSE. Bird plans to sell its assets through a bidding process over the next four months. The Canadian and European operations of the company are not affected by the bankruptcy filing. This news follows the delisting of competitor Micromobility.com and layoffs at other micromobility startups, indicating a challenging year for the industry.
Experts warn that scalding curling irons, tiny desk magnets, and speedy electric scooters are among the common items that frequently land children in the emergency room. Other hazardous items include small toys, coins, batteries, and unsecured furniture. The dangers of desk magnets, which can be swallowed or stuck in the nose or ears, were highlighted by pediatric emergency medicine physician Dr. Leah Middelberg. Magnet-related accidents have seen a significant increase in recent years. Curling irons pose a burn hazard due to their high temperatures, while electric scooters have led to a surge in injuries, particularly among teenage boys. Experts advise parents to keep these items away from children and promote safety measures such as helmet use and road education for scooter riders.
Electric scooter company Bird will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) after its stock collapsed, failing to maintain a market capitalization above $15 million for 30 consecutive days. The company's shares will now trade on the over-the-counter exchange. Bird, once valued at $2.5 billion, faced significant challenges during the pandemic as cities went into lockdown. Despite a recent acquisition and a reverse stock split, the stock lost 80% of its value this year, closing at 90 cents. Bird's interim CEO expressed disappointment but emphasized the company's commitment to shareholders, employees, and partners.
A ban on electric scooters in Paris has led scooter companies to shift their business to cities such as Tel Aviv. Paris became the first European city to enforce a ban on electric scooters following a public vote in favor of decluttering the streets. Scooter companies are now redirecting their fleets to cities across Europe and beyond, with Tel Aviv being one of the destinations. The ban in Paris was prompted by safety concerns and a high number of accidents involving electric scooters. Some Parisians believe in stricter rules rather than an outright ban.
Apollo Imports, an electric scooter manufacturer, has issued a voluntary recall of its Phantom Electric Scooters due to a loosening bolt that poses an injury risk. The recall affects Phantom V1, V2, and 60V models sold between June 2021 and May 2023. The stem bolt used to secure the front wheel and suspension assembly can become loose and break over time. The Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of the bolt breaking, resulting in injuries. Apollo is offering free replacement bolts and repair instructions, as well as free servicing at partner locations. The recalled scooters were sold for $2,000 to $2,500.
Paris has implemented a ban on rental electric scooters after 89% of voters elected to remove them due to concerns over safety and street congestion. The French capital, which was one of the first major cities to embrace e-scooters in 2018, recorded 459 accidents involving the vehicles in 2022. Some operators hope customers will switch to rental bicycles, but not everyone is convinced they will be a suitable alternative. The majority of Paris's rental scooters are being relocated to other cities.
Prime Day 2023 offers deals on electric scooters, providing a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. Popular brands like InMotion and Segway are featured, with options ranging from electric unicycles to last-mile scooters. These scooters offer various features such as air suspension, top speeds of up to 35 mph, and the ability to support heavier riders. Electric scooters are lightweight, portable, and ideal for short-distance transportation, making them a convenient alternative to e-bikes.
Denver is closing streets to motorized vehicles once a month through August for Viva! Streets, a program that promotes sustainable transportation and healthy lifestyles. The initiative offers a car-free route for people to walk, bike, Rollerblade, or ride electric scooters and bicycles, connecting neighborhoods and businesses along the way. The Downtown Denver Partnership has partnered with Lyft and Lime to increase the number of available bikes and scooters and make sure hubs are placed at bus and rail stops. The program also includes activities such as art exhibits, dance and yoga classes, and activities for children.
New York lawmakers are pushing for federal legislation to regulate lithium-ion battery safety standards after a series of fires caused by the batteries malfunctioning or overheating. The "Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act" sets federal safety standards for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used to power electric scooters and e-bikes and sets guidelines to protect consumers against the risk of fires caused by such batteries. New York City has seen 63 fires and 5 deaths caused by lithium-ion batteries this year alone. The fire department advised residents to buy UL-certified devices, keep devices at room temperature and keep them away from direct sunlight, among other tips.
Paris residents have voted in favor of banning rental electric scooters from the city, with almost 90% of those who turned out for a referendum organized by the Paris mayor’s office voting for the ban. The ban will come into force at the end of August, when the city’s scooter operators’ contracts expire. Private owners of e-scooters won’t be affected. The move is part of Paris' campaign to reduce the city’s dependence on private cars and boost the appeal of other modes of travel. The French academy of medicine has described e-scooters as a “true public health problem,” and highlighted that “electric scooter-related accidents are associated with a significant number of serious injuries.”
