Bird is investing $150 million during 2021 to open sustainable micromobility programmes in more than 50 unnamed European cities.
In a blog post, Bird said: "We’ll also be launching new mobility products and safety initiatives, implementing the next generation of recycling and second life applications for vehicles, investing in industry-leading equity programs and securing partnerships across the region designed to improve transportation for all Europeans."
One of its new initiatives, Global Ride Pass, provides riders with new pricing plans - such as daily, monthly or three-month - which are expected accelerate a shift away from cars for short distance trips.
Europe is a vital market for Bird, accounting for almost half its rides, the company says.
“Europe is playing a leading role not only in embracing micro-EVs, but in redesigning cities to safely promote their use,” says CEO Travis VanderZanden.
“We’re committed to working with cities to advance these incredibly positive initiatives by investing in the technology, as well as the safety, equity and sustainability programmes, that will usher in the next generation of clean urban mobility across the continent.”
As part of the commitment, Bird has appointed vice president of strategy Renaud Fages to the post of global head of operations.
Fages says: “This pandemic has been devastating for towns and cities across Europe, and we want to help them get moving again. Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen elected leaders step up in a big way to promote sustainable, socially distant mobility. Bird’s investment in Europe will enable us to support these efforts and better deliver on the promise of mobility for all.”
The company has also named former Spotify executive Brendan O’Driscoll as head of product, growth and data.
Last month, Bird joined an electric scooter coalition to aid the development of a policy framework in Europe that will support the transition to zero-emission urban mobility.
