Bird e-scooter manufacturer to release Bird Two this fall

(August 1) Although it is less than two months since e-scooter maker Bird unveiled its Bird One that was designed to be more long-lasting, durable, and powerful than previous scooters, the company is now ready to produce Bird Two.

Bird Two

The Bird Two is claimed to be even more durable, longer-lasting, and powerful than the Bird One. The Bird Two has what is claimed to be an industry-leading automotive-grade battery that will have 50 percent more capacity than the one in the Bird One. The battery will be optimized to function well in a wide variety of temperatures.

The new Bird will also have smart autonomous sensors that will notify company headquarters should the computer break down. Vandalism and depreciation costs have taken a toll on scooter companies' revenues, causing them to try to get newer, more rugged models on the streets. These self-reporting damage sensors will allow Bird mechanics to get damaged or vandalized scooters off the streets quickly.

Seamless screws and puncture-proof tires

Exposed screws on the scooters can cause injuries and also make it easier to vandalize the units. The Bird Two will have no exposed screws. The company said: “The absence of excessive exposed screws helps create a more seamless design while also reducing painful injuries and vandalism."

The new scooter will also have puncture-proof tires and an anti-tipping kickstand. There will also be software that will help deter theft and protects riders from potentially malicious tricks.

Many specifications still under wraps

The battery capacity has not yet been revealed nor have the range or top speed. The Bird Two is expected to appear in the US by early this fall but will not not be available for purchase as is the Bird One. Bird is also expected to release an electric moped.

Scooter companies including BIrd are struggling to be profitable

Since coming on the scene about two years ago, scooter-rental companies are struggling to make money. Profitability depends on how much money each unit brings a company hence the lifespan is very important. The more trips and miles a scooter can log the better. The cost of buying and maintaining the scooter must be recouped before any money is made.

Bird is reported to have lost nearly $100 million in the first quarter of this year while revenue shrank to about $15 million. Bird has managed to raise $700 million over the last 18 months, but has only $100 million in cash remaining now. The company is looking to raise another $200 to $300 million.

Bird

Wikipedia describes Bird company: "Bird is a dockless electric scooter sharing company based in Santa Monica, California. Founded in September 2017, Bird operates electric scooters in over 60 cities throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North America[2] with 10 million rides in its first year of operation.In 2018, Bird was named one of Time Magazine's 50 Genius Companies,[3] and one of the most sought-after startups in the United States, according to LinkedIn."

Previously published in the Digital  Journal