Los Angeles is a city of endless opportunities and endless traffic. As the traffic congestion continues to grow, many Angelenos are turning to alternative modes of transportation, such as electric scooters, to get around more quickly and efficiently. Among the most popular electric scooters in the city are Bird and Lime.
Bird and Lime offer convenient, eco-friendly, and affordable ways to navigate through the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, renting these scooters can be an ideal solution for short trips, errands, or simply enjoying a ride around the city.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about renting Bird and Lime scooters in Los Angeles, from the basics of getting started to tips for a smooth and safe ride.
What Are Bird and Lime Scooters?
Before diving into how to rent these scooters, let’s first understand what Bird and Lime scooters are. Both companies offer electric scooters designed for shared use, with a focus on providing quick and sustainable transportation solutions in urban environments.
- Bird Scooters: Bird is one of the most popular electric scooter-sharing companies. It has scooters available for rent throughout Los Angeles. Bird scooters are designed for short trips, typically around 1-2 miles.
- Lime Scooters: Lime is another major player in the electric scooter-sharing industry. Like Bird, Lime offers scooters that can be rented for short trips. Lime has also expanded its services to include electric bikes, providing more options for users.
These scooters are dockless, meaning they don’t require a station to park. You can simply pick one up and drop it off wherever you finish your ride, within a designated area in the city.
How to Rent Bird and Lime Scooters in Los Angeles
Renting Bird and Lime scooters is easy and convenient. Both companies have user-friendly apps that allow you to find and unlock scooters, pay for your ride, and track your trip.
1. Download the Bird or Lime App
The first step in renting a scooter is to download the Bird or Lime app on your smartphone. These apps are available for both iOS and Android devices.
- Bird App: Download the Bird app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Lime App: Similarly, download the Lime app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Both apps are free to download and easy to set up. You will need to create an account with your personal details and payment information before renting a scooter.
2. Sign Up and Add Payment Information
Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to sign up for an account. This involves entering your name, email, and phone number. You’ll also need to add a payment method, such as a credit card or a payment service like PayPal.
- Bird App: Add your payment method under the “Payment” section in the app settings. Bird charges a small unlocking fee (usually around $1) and a per-minute rate for each ride.
- Lime App: Similarly, Lime requires payment details, and the app will show the price breakdown before you confirm the payment.
Both apps provide a transparent pricing model so you can see how much your ride will cost before you start.
3. Find a Nearby Scooter
After setting up your account and adding payment information, you can easily find nearby scooters using the app. Both Bird and Lime display a map with the locations of available scooters, so you can quickly spot one near you.
- Bird App: Open the app, and a map will display nearby scooters. Simply look for a scooter with a full charge and one that is within walking distance.
- Lime App: Lime works in a similar way. The app will show available scooters on the map, and you can zoom in to find one that suits your location.
Once you’ve found a scooter, head to the location to begin your ride.
4. Unlock the Scooter
When you reach the scooter, open the app and follow the prompts to unlock it. You can usually unlock the scooter by scanning the QR code located on the scooter’s handlebars.
- Bird App: Open the Bird app, scan the QR code on the scooter, and press the “Unlock” button. The scooter will unlock, and you’re ready to go!
- Lime App: Similarly, with the Lime app, use the camera to scan the scooter’s QR code to unlock it.
Both companies also offer a feature where you can manually enter the scooter’s ID number if you’re having trouble scanning the code.
5. Ride the Scooter
Once your scooter is unlocked, you can hop on and start your ride. The scooters are typically very easy to operate. They have a throttle on the right-hand side for acceleration, and a brake on the left-hand side to stop.
- Safety Gear: Although helmets are not mandatory by law, it’s always a good idea to wear one for extra safety. Some Lime and Bird locations offer free helmets, or you can bring your own.
- Riding Tips: Maintain balance by keeping both feet on the scooter, hold the handlebars with both hands, and always pay attention to traffic. Follow all local traffic laws to ensure a safe and legal ride.
- Speed: The maximum speed for Bird and Lime scooters is around 15 mph (24 km/h), which is fast enough for short-distance travel but not too fast for safety.
6. End Your Ride and Park Properly
When you’ve reached your destination, it’s time to end your ride. Make sure to park the scooter properly in a designated area, away from walkways, doorways, or other obstructions. Both Bird and Lime apps have a “Park” button that ends your ride when you select it.
- Bird App: In the Bird app, you’ll find a “Finish Ride” button that allows you to end your trip and lock the scooter.
- Lime App: Similarly, with Lime, select “End Ride” in the app, and the scooter will be locked, stopping the charges.
It’s important to follow the proper parking guidelines to avoid fines or penalties. Both companies have certain areas where parking is allowed, and they also offer a map of no-parking zones to avoid any inconvenience.
7. Pay for Your Ride
Once your ride ends, you will be charged based on the time you spent using the scooter. Both Bird and Lime provide a clear breakdown of charges, including unlocking fees and per-minute rates.
- Bird App: After finishing your ride, you’ll see a summary of your total charge. You can also check your ride history and review past trips.
- Lime App: The Lime app works similarly, offering a payment summary after each ride.
The apps are tied to your payment method, and the charges are processed automatically after you finish your ride.
Important Considerations for Renting Bird and Lime Scooters in Los Angeles
Before you rent a scooter, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
1. Local Laws and Regulations
Los Angeles has specific laws about electric scooter use. Make sure you follow traffic laws, including riding on the road (not the sidewalk) and obeying traffic signals. Additionally, only one person is allowed to ride on a scooter at a time.
2. Parking Rules
Park the scooter in a designated area to avoid fines or penalties. Always avoid blocking pedestrian paths or private property when leaving the scooter.
3. Scooter Availability
Bird and Lime scooters are not always available, especially during high-demand periods. To ensure availability, try to rent a scooter during off-peak times or check the app frequently for nearby scooters.
4. Battery Life
Make sure the scooter has enough battery life for your trip. If you’re planning a longer ride, check the battery percentage in the app and pick a scooter with sufficient charge.
Conclusion
Renting Bird and Lime scooters in Los Angeles is a simple and convenient way to get around the city. By downloading the app, setting up your account, and following the steps to rent a scooter, you can enjoy an affordable, eco-friendly ride to your destination.
These scooters offer an excellent alternative to traditional transportation, especially for short trips or when navigating busy areas of the city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, using Bird and Lime scooters is a fun and practical way to explore Los Angeles.
So, the next time you’re in LA, consider trying out Bird and Lime scooters to experience the city in a new, exciting way!
