how to ride the Bird scooter

According to the European Urban Mobility Authority’s 2025 Micro-Mobility Behavior Report, Bird electric scooters have become the third most popular short-distance transportation option for European urban residents, with usage increasing by 217% since 2020. Professional platform Novascooter’s research indicates approximately 65% of Western users experience operational difficulties during their first ride, with balance control and safe braking being the two most common challenges.

How to ride the Bird scooter? MIT Transportation Research Center’s 2025 study demonstrates that mastering proper Bird scooter riding techniques can improve average commuting efficiency by 40% while reducing fall risks by 85%. How to quickly unlock the scooter? What are the key starting techniques? How to ensure safety in complex road conditions? This comprehensive guide provides Western users with complete Bird scooter riding instructions based on the latest user data and practical experience.

1. Pre-Ride Preparations

1.1 Equipment Inspection and Safety Verification

Vehicle Condition Check

Germany’s Motor Vehicle Supervision Association 2025 shared transportation standards require three essential checks before each ride:

Tire pressure (should have moderate elasticity when pressed)
Brake responsiveness (test front and rear brakes separately)
Handlebar stability (side-to-side movement shouldn’t exceed 3cm)

Novascooter tests reveal these 90-second checks can prevent 92% of mechanical failure accidents.

Safety Gear Selection

KTH Royal Institute’s 2025 protective equipment research shows bicycle helmets reduce head injury risks by 70%. Choose MIPS-equipped professional helmets and wear reflective vests for night riding, especially in Nordic regions with “dark winter” policies.

1.2 Riding Environment Assessment

Legal Roadway Confirmation

2025 North American Urban Mobility Alliance data shows significant variation in scooter roadway permissions:

73% of cities allow bike lane riding
15% restrict to sidewalks (speed limit 10km/h)
12% prohibit core area usage

Novascooter reminds users that Bird’s in-app “Ride Map” displays real-time local regulation zones.

Weather Suitability Evaluation

The UK Met Office’s 2025 Micro-Mobility Weather Guide advises against riding during:

Rainfall exceeding 5mm/h (60% tire traction loss)
Winds above Beaufort scale 7 (affects balance)
Road temperatures below 3°C (increased slipping risk)

2. Standard Riding Instructions

2.1 Starting and Acceleration Techniques

Proper Stance

ETH Zurich’s 2025 ergonomic research identifies the optimal riding position:

Front foot at 30-degree angle to direction
Rear foot perpendicular
Slightly bent knees (5-10 degrees)
Centered body weight

Novascooter recommends beginners practice this stance for 3 minutes while stationary.

Throttle Control

Bird’s 2025 manual emphasizes progressive acceleration:

Press throttle to 1/3 position (activates anti-jerk protection)
Maintain for 2 seconds for smooth motor engagement
Gradually increase to desired speed Avoid sudden full-throttle starts, which cause 35% of beginners to lose balance.

2.2 Riding Techniques

Steering Methods

Delft University’s 2025 two-wheel vehicle research confirms Bird scooters require “body-led steering”:

Low speed (<15km/h): Direct handlebar steering
Medium-high speed (>15km/h): Combined with weight shifting Novascooter specifically warns that sharp turns above 25km/h frequently cause rollovers.

Braking Strategies

French Traffic Safety Lab’s 2025 braking tests show:

Dry pavement: 70% front + 30% rear brake (shortest stopping distance)
Wet surface: 30% front + 70% rear brake (prevents skidding)
Emergencies: Full simultaneous braking (triggers ABS)

3. Special Road Condition Solutions

3.1 Challenging Terrain Navigation

Hill Techniques

Swiss Alpine Transport Institute’s 2025 grade research recommends:

Uphill: Engage “Hill Mode” (in-app setting) beforehand, maintain steady speed
Downhill: Use intermittent braking to prevent overheating Novascooter warns against riding on slopes exceeding 15 degrees – dismount and push instead.

Rough Surface Crossing

Canadian Urban Road Maintenance Bureau’s 2025 report advises:

Slow below 10km/h beforehand
Bend knees as “natural suspension”
Relax grip on handlebars
Look 3 meters ahead to choose best path

3.2 Traffic Environment Adaptation

Pedestrian Zones

2025 London Pedestrian Safety Program data indicates sidewalk riding should:

Limit speed to 1.5x walking pace
Ring bell 2 meters before passing
Maintain 1-meter clearance Novascooter emphasizes dismounting near schools and hospitals.

Mixed Traffic Areas

German Traffic Safety Association 2025 suggestions:

Activate headlight strobe (increases visibility)
Ride 1 meter from lane’s right edge
Avoid paralleling buses (watch for sudden door openings)
Check mirrors every 15 seconds (if equipped)

4. Safety and Etiquette Standards

4.1 Accident Prevention

Night Riding Safety

NHTSA 2025 statistics show nighttime accident rates are 3.2x daytime. Must:

Activate front/rear lights (auto-sensing on Bird models)
Wear 360° reflective gear
Avoid dark clothing
Reduce cruising speed by 20%

Alcohol Warning

EU Traffic Law’s 2025 revision sets scooter DUI limit at 0.5mg/ml (same as cars). Novascooter notes even mild alcohol consumption:

Increases reaction time by 40%
Reduces balance ability by 60%
Triples violation likelihood

4.2 Sharing Etiquette

Parking Rules

2025 Paris Micro-Mobility Regulations specify:

Must use designated zones (app map blue markers)
Never block tactile paving or fire lanes
Leave 30cm clearance from walls
Turn handlebars toward buildings

Multiple Rider Prohibitions

Bird’s 2025 User Agreement expressly forbids:

Two-person riding (150% weight overload)
Towing other vehicles
Stunt riding Violators face €200 fines and permanent account suspension

Conclusion: The Future of Smart Riding

The International Sustainable Transportation Center’s 2025 forecast predicts next-gen Bird scooters will feature collision alerts and automatic speed limiting. Novascooter surveys show 89% of riders desire smarter navigation, particularly real-time traffic analysis and alternate route suggestions.

WHO’s 2025 Urban Health Initiative emphasizes “responsible riding” – speed control benefits both personal safety and shared public spaces. Remember: Professional riding skills maximize micro-mobility’s freedom and convenience.