Bird launches two-seater electric vehicle that will do more than start a scooter – TechCrunch

Bird continues to roll out new vehicles and mobility services. Bird has just unveiled the Bird Cruiser, an electric vehicle essentially consisting of a bike and a moped. The Bird Cruiser can accommodate up to two people and, depending on the market, it will be either pedal assisted, or simply equipped with a stake. This marks Bird's first move outside the scooter space.

Bird Cruiser is designed to be part of the start-up's fleet of shared vehicles and its Bird Platform program, which allows entrepreneurs to run their own businesses using Bird's assets.

Launched this summer in a few markets, Bird Cruiser is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, a 52-volt battery, provided by many electric bikes, and is designed for sloping terrain.

Since this vehicle comes in the classification of an electric bike or a motorized scooter, the Bird Cruiser is regulated at the state level. As this type of vehicle is regulated by the states, local regulations should not hinder the deployment of Bird. Of course, riders must respect the city's laws regarding bicycle lanes and speeds.

"The introduction of Bird's shared electronic scooters has led to a worldwide phenomenon and a change in the way cars are doing," Bird founder and CEO Travis VanderZanden said in a statement. "To further accelerate the progress of our mission to make cities more liveable, we offer other environmentally friendly micro-mobility solutions, including Bird Cruiser. Starting this summer, people can move around their city and explore new neighborhoods together without a car. Designed and manufactured in California, Bird Cruiser is a fully electric, affordable, easy-to-drive and comfortable electric propulsion option on rough roads. "

Earlier this year, startup Wheels raised $ 37 million to start its electric bike. Although they look a bit alike, the wheels can only accommodate one person and require pedaling.

This news comes shortly after Bird started selling his electric scooters directly to consumers. Bird has recently begun offering cyclists a monthly rental option in cities where regulators currently do not allow Bird to operate its shared scooter program.