In a nutshell, Bird and Lime have used a variety of electric scooters, starting with the Xiaomi M365 and then adding the Ninebot-Segway ES2 before transitioning to custom-made scooters. The Xiaomi M635 (which has since been replaced by the Xiaomi 1S) is the scooter most closely associated with Bird. This model is from a Chinese manufacturer called Xiaomi and is popular in many cities around the world. It is the most economical and lightest of the scooters used by Bird and Lime, making it ideal for those who want to travel on sidewalks.
The Xiaomi 1S (and Essential) has the same frame as the M635. Bird also began distributing the Ninebot-Segway ES2 (or ES) on the streets. This scooter has a shallower base because the battery is in the stem. It came in black and white and had a battery built into the base, making it a couple of inches deep. As more people recognize how beneficial these programs are, they are also realizing that it is more cost-effective to buy their own electric scooter.
As a result, many are wondering which electric scooters have been used by Lime or a similar program like Bird. The company plans to phase out all of its consumer scooters over the summer; Bird says it will continue to use its Xiaomi M365 models for monthly personal rentals and that it will no longer buy Ninebot ES scooters. Under the terms of the agreement, Uber will cede its electric bicycle and scooter operations to Lime. Lime mainly used Ninebot-Segway ES2 scooters before transitioning to custom scooters (they won't say who makes them, but Ninebot, who also makes Xiaomi scooters, is likely to participate).
The ES2 has a top speed of 15.5 mph and a range of 15.5 miles. Some authorized retailers often advertise this electric scooter as the Lime-S Ninebot ES4. Companies like Lime and BIRD should only use electric scooters like the Ninebot ES4 so that anyone can learn how to use it quickly. If you are looking for an affordable electric scooter with reasonable power and sufficient range for short trips around the city, the Mi 1S may be a good option. It has a top speed of 15 mph and can travel up to 15 miles on a single charge.
