The California-based company Bird Scooters has launched scooter rentals in Columbia without official signoff from MU. Campus officials say the company dropped the scooters nearby in mid-August and students have been using them on campus. Use of the scooters is causing safety concerns at the university.
MU spokesperson Liz McCune, says if students plan to use the scooters they should do so off sidewalks, off campus and wear helmets.
“So, this company seems to go ahead and move forward with their plans and then ask for forgiveness and that is not a business strategy that we welcome, first of all. We have several concerns with the scooters primarily related to safety.”
McCune says MU is waiting on a response from the company to develop a policy going forward. Bird Scooters is one of several companies nationwide starting scooter rental service.
