Massachusetts

Electric Scooter Rental Company Flees Cambridge Somerville After Cease and Desist Letters

Officials said the company, Bird, never got a business permit and violated sidewalk safety laws

A California-based electric scooter rental company that left scooters on public sidewalks without warning has left two Massachusetts cities.

The Boston Globe reports Bird Rides Inc. pulled out of Cambridge and Somerville. The company began renting scooters in both cities last month.

Officials in Cambridge and Somerville say Bird never got a permit to conduct business and violated sidewalk safety laws. Both cities sent the company cease and desist letters.

Bird claims its decision to leave was voluntary.

The company is operating on a trial basis in Providence, Rhode Island. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has warned the company that they need permission to operate in the city.

Cambridge spokeswoman Lee Gianetti says the city has planned a hearing on the issue.

Somerville officials weren't immediately available for comment.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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