It wasn’t in person or even on the phone.
The interview, in fact, took place over Facebook Messenger, and the manager for the Bird Scooters in Wheeling wishes to be referred to as “Bird-Wheeling” and not by his actual name.
Company policy, he said.
Despite the unique circumstances, questions were asked, and answers were offered, and there’s good news, hope for the future, and some uncertainty, too. The “Wheeling Bird Scooters” Facebook page was launched on September 22, and the electric units emerged in Wheeling at the same time.
And Bird quickly became the talk of the town. The scooters were at the Alpha Tavern and Centre Market; they were lined up on Wheeling Island, in Woodsdale, and at the Howard Long Wellness Center. It’s a dollar to turn them on using the Bird app and about 40 cents per minute to operate, and the customer simply leaves the unit at their destination.
The company was started five years ago in California, by entrepreneur Travis VanderZanden, a man who has been involved with transportation companies like Lyft and Uber. Bird, however, is reportedly in financial trouble after the company announced on Nov. 14 it overstated revenue by recognizing unpaid rides for more than two years. In fact, the evil “B word” in business – bankruptcy – was mentioned by business writer Tim Bradshaw with Financial Times two weeks ago.
“Bird-Wheeling” acknowledged the reports but was not able to make an official comment on company finances. Instead, the local scooter manager remained merry.
To what extent can you identify yourself concerning your association with Bird?
I am a local in Wheeling and love what I saw and wanted to be a part of the business community. I saw an ad for Bird for the City and submitted an application for Wheeling to join since it’s a beautiful city to explore.
Why did you personally wish to be involved with the scooter company?
I saw an ad online for Bird and have used them myself. I decided to ask for Wheeling because I live here and love the city and thought nice transportation to find all the wonderful views would be perfect. After talking to the Bird team, they decided to allow them, and the City allowed the operation.
Tell me about an average day for a Bird scooter in Wheeling.
A day in the life is different for everyone but everyone can be guaranteed a great time. Many users ride to work and back daily for their transportation. Many people love to ride where there is free parking and they can simply ride closer to events such as the festivals and activities within Wheeling.
They are 39 cents a minute and pretty fast, so every ride is an experience within itself. You can ride as much as you’d like and we please ask to put them back where other birds are located for the next user.
Please explain the reaction you’ve received since Bird debuted in late September.
Many people love to hate on the side without giving them a try. I say try it first then tell me your experience. I love hearing everyone’s experience and people (private message) us daily. Almost every rider has said they had a great time every time with no complaints.
The majority of hate comes from people who simply won’t give us a chance. Not every scooter is perfect, and we have tons of room to expand but we are working very hard daily to fix all mistakes. Otherwise, they have been liked by so many people and we are the happiest when seeing riders as we work daily!
Are the scooters taken inside at night? And have any of them ended up floating in the Ohio River?
They are taken in at night for repairs and charging daily when needed. We have over 70 scooters that we work on daily. The battery is very good for days so we only have to fix a portion daily, but every scooter is looked at daily.
We have not had any river or accidents besides one with the Birds. If anyone has any ideas such as taking them or breaking them on purpose, you will be prosecuted for damages. They also have GPS, and the Wheeling Police will help us find the Bird and anyone who steals them. They are not to be taken inside any building and are monitored 24/7.
So, it’s gone well?
The operation in Wheeling with the Birds has gone great and we would like to thank all of our supporters, riders, and the City for everything. We truly try our best for the best experience. We have gotten so many great feedbacks and love to help everyone we can.
Will Bird hibernate for Winter? Will they return in the Spring?
The scooters will go away for the Winter due to the roads. We will have put a few out when the weather surprises everyone with 60-degree temperatures. But, for sure, will be gone when the snow comes.
They will, in fact, be back in spring (as long as everything goes well) and we can’t wait for our next year of riders and we have big ideas coming.
