Approximately 50 Bird Canada electric scooters have been reported stolen from Windsor, Ontario, streets in recent weeks, as confirmed by the micromobility company’s general manager, Patrick Graham. The thieves have been targeting the scooters for their valuable lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly sold on the black market. Graham expressed gratitude for the cooperation of local law enforcement in addressing the issue.
While acknowledging the significance of the thefts, Graham noted that Bird currently has around 400 scooters in operation in Windsor, stating that the stolen scooters have not severely impacted their ability to serve the city. To maintain the local fleet, the company has relocated scooters from other cities.
After a brief pause due to the expiration of a pilot contract, Bird reintroduced scooters and e-bikes to Windsor streets earlier this summer, enabling users to rent and return the vehicles via a smartphone app at designated parking areas across the city.
Although Bird operates in over 20 cities in Canada, Graham highlighted that theft incidents have been more prevalent in Windsor, with the current spike in thefts standing out compared to past occurrences. He suggested that organized crime groups may be behind the thefts, dismantling the vehicles swiftly to sell the batteries illicitly.
Despite the challenges posed by the thefts, Graham expressed confidence in authorities’ ability to apprehend the perpetrators, emphasizing that the company has effective tracking mechanisms in place. Authorities have previously succeeded in locating the individuals involved in similar incidents.
CBC contacted various mobility device retailers in Windsor, including those selling products with lithium-ion batteries, but these businesses were unaware of any thefts related to their merchandise. Jessica Senay, general manager of Comfort Mobility and Home Health Care, emphasized the importance of securing valuable items and recommended insuring such products to deter theft.