Bird will not expand its rentable e-scooter service area in Eau Claire for now, after withdrawing its expansion request following community opposition in August and September.
The city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee had voted on Aug. 18 to move the request forward. A city Waterways, Parks and Urban Forestry Committee later voted unanimously to oppose it on Sept. 28.
Residents raised concerns including riding on sidewalks, which city rules prohibit, and scooters left in unapproved places. City data cited in the reporting showed more than 11,400 rides from January through August 2026, with only a small number of formal parking complaints in that period.
Deputy City Engineer Al Rinka told reporters the withdrawal was mainly due to opposition and the difficulty it added to the process. He said Bird is looking at changes to its citation fees for mis-parked scooters and could try another expansion request next year.
For now, the service remains limited to the downtown area. Bird currently pays an annual permit fee of $584 to operate in Eau Claire.
