Bird Launches New Electric Bike - $2,299

Bird Introduces its First Consumer E-Bike

Micromobility provider Bird has recently announced the release of a new electric bicycle intended for individual purchase. This marks a significant shift for the company, representing its initial venture into direct consumer sales of vehicles, moving beyond its traditional shared-use model.

Introducing the Bird Bike

The newly launched bicycle has been named “Bird Bike,” mirroring the designation used for the company’s shared e-bike introduced in June. While the design was developed internally by Bird, the specific manufacturing partner remains undisclosed.

Initial availability of the e-bike, offered in Stealth Black and Gravity Gray color options, began on Thursday with a price point of $2,299. Bird has not yet detailed the specific geographic areas for initial deliveries, but anticipates broader distribution through U.S. retailers this autumn.

Market Trends and Financial Considerations

The electric bicycle market is projected to reach approximately $68 billion by 2026. This contrasts with the bike-share market, which is forecasted to attain around $13.8 billion by the same period. This disparity likely influences the strategic rationale behind Bird’s decision.

Recent filings related to Bird’s SPAC merger in May revealed substantial financial losses. Consequently, the company is actively seeking to diversify its revenue streams and capitalize on its established brand recognition within the micromobility sector to achieve profitability.

Expanding Consumer Options

“Our goal is to ensure Bird is well-positioned to satisfy the growing demand with our consumer product line,” stated Rebecca Hahn, Bird’s chief communications officer, in an interview with TechCrunch. “By providing a wider range of choices, we aim to empower individuals to embrace more sustainable transportation methods.”

The new e-bike contributes to Bird’s consumer products segment, currently accounting for roughly 10% of the company’s overall business, as indicated in its S-4 SEC filing.

Ownership and the "Bird Experience"

“We believe there’s a demand for both rental and ownership of micro-electric vehicles as people transition to environmentally friendly transportation options, which is why we offer a consumer product line,” Hahn explained. “Furthermore, the two aren’t mutually exclusive. For instance, someone might reside in an area without Bird’s shared services but still desire the ‘Bird experience,’ making ownership a viable option.”

“When that individual travels to a city where Bird operates, their familiarity with the brand may encourage them to choose Bird over a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.”

Past Ventures and Future Vision

This isn’t Bird’s first attempt at exploring new micromobility avenues. In 2019, the company introduced a monthly e-scooter subscription service, though it was ultimately discontinued.

“The future of transportation is undeniably electric,” said Travis VanderZanden, Bird’s founder and CEO, in a press release. “By broadening Bird’s offerings to include both e-bikes and e-scooters for both consumer and shared use, we are uniquely positioned to spearhead the shift towards eco-friendly transportation for the billions of trips under five miles.”

“Our new e-bike expands opportunities for people to adopt micro electric vehicles beyond the 300 cities where we currently provide shared services. It’s designed to be safe, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and equipped with advanced technology, offering a compelling alternative to congested, gas-powered cars.”

Technical Specifications

Bird’s e-bike, competitively priced alongside the VanMoof X3, features a 12.8 Ah battery utilizing LG cells, providing a range of up to 50 miles.

The bicycle will be available in both step-through and step-over frame styles, constructed from aluminum alloy. It incorporates Kenda puncture-resistant tires. A pedal assist system enables speeds up to 20 mph, complemented by a thumb throttle for tackling inclines.

An LCD panel, positioned beneath the handlebars, displays crucial information such as speed, distance, and battery capacity. Bluetooth connectivity with the Bird app allows riders to control the integrated LED lights, monitor battery range, and track mileage.

This article was updated to incorporate recent information released by Bird.