Electric scooter rentals in Bay City will end May 16 as Bird restructures operations nationwide, despite strong local ridership for Bay City scooters.

Bird’s Exit From Bay City Marks Shift in Urban Transportation Options

Bay City, Michigan — Bird, the electric scooter rental company, will pull its scooters from Bay City streets by May 16, 2025, as part of a corporate shake-up impacting multiple U.S. cities. The decision, announced by city officials, is not tied to local performance or city policies but stems from internal adjustments within Bird’s national operations affecting the availability of Bay City scooters.

In April, Bird shared some exciting news: they’ve made a comeback from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, now under a fresh new parent company called Third Lane Mobility Inc. With a solid balance sheet, lower operating costs, and a capital structure that fits just right, they sold their assets to Third Lane Mobility, which includes both the Bird and Spin Brands. Bird and Spin are going to keep buzzing around cities all over the world, and they’re in a great spot for some serious long-term growth while they ramp up their operations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Strong Local Demand Couldn’t Shield Bay City From National Cuts

City Manager Dana Muscott confirmed that local ridership was strong, calling the scooters a valuable tool for short trips, improving mobility, and reducing car dependency. “The scooters were well-used and appreciated by many in our community,” Muscott said. “Their presence helped support more accessible, sustainable, and flexible transportation options.”

Bay City officials emphasized that Bird’s decision is not a critique of local engagement or usage. Instead, it reflects broader business decisions at Bird, which has seen shifting market conditions and operational adjustments in recent months.

Bay City Looks Ahead: Exploring New Micromobility Partners

While Bird’s exit marks the end of a popular option for short-distance travel, the city is not backing away from micromobility. Officials say they are already exploring new partnerships to bring scooters or similar services back to residents and visitors.

The city praised the program’s positive impacts on first- and last-mile connectivity and noted that Bird has left the door open for a possible return should its corporate direction change.

Michigan’s Cities Face Broader Micromobility Challenges

The situation with Bay City scooters is not unique. Across Michigan and the nation, micromobility providers like Bird and Lime have been recalibrating their footprints, often pulling back from smaller or mid-sized cities despite strong local use. Industry experts say these shifts are typically tied to profitability concerns, regulatory hurdles, and the challenge of balancing demand across markets.

As Michigan cities aim to cut car traffic and lower emissions, the loss of e-scooter services could be a setback. Municipal leaders are watching closely to see how alternative providers might fill the gap left by Bird.

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