While some may be saddened that the Bird scooters available in the local community for the past two years could be going away at some point, it certainly will not have a major financial impact on the community.
According to Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking, while the scooters have been a great source of alternative transportation for local residents and visitors, they have not generated a substantial amount of revenue bringing in less than $1,000 to the city in the two years they have been available.
Cocking’s conversation with KVOE News followed the announcement last Wednesday that Miami-based scooter and bike rental company Bird Scooter had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Florida. At this time, the scooters are still available for rent in Emporia, however, residents are encouraged to pay close attention to their Bird app and read any and all notifications on the app before renting a scooter.
Whether or not the scooters will remain available long-term will depend on the outcome of bankruptcy proceedings according to Cocking.
As of Thursday, the city had yet to receive any official bankruptcy paperwork from Bird. Cocking says once the process begins all contracts will be rendered null and void and if there are any lingering financial obligations from Bird to the city of Emporia once that process begins, he tells KVOE News the city will simply “fall in line” with all other debt holders.
