Quick Answer
The QR code on Bird scooters is located on the baseboard, near the bottom of the scooter’s stem. It is a small, square barcode that can be scanned to unlock the scooter and begin a ride. The exact location may vary slightly between scooter models, but it is generally found on the front section of the baseboard. Looking near the bottom of the stem, on the part of the baseboard closest to the ground, is the best way to quickly locate the Bird scooter QR code.
Where to Find the QR Code on a Bird Scooter
Bird scooters have a QR code printed on the baseboard, which is the bar connecting the wheels and housing the battery. Here are some tips for locating it:
- Check the front side of the baseboard, closest to the stem and handlebars.
- Look near the very bottom of the stem, right above the baseboard.
- It will be a small black and white square barcode, around 2 inches wide.
- On some models it may be on a sticker or printed directly onto the baseboard surface.
- The QR code can be found on either the left or right side.
- If you don’t see it at first, try scanning your camera around the entire baseboard area.
The key is looking low on the front section of the baseboard, near where it connects to the stem emerging from the ground. This bottom front area is where you will find the Bird scooter QR code. It may take some looking if you don’t know exactly where to find it, but with the tips above you should be able to locate it fairly quickly.
How to Scan the QR Code
Once you’ve found the QR code on the Bird scooter, scanning it is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Open the camera app on your smartphone.
- Hold your phone up to the QR code so it’s clearly visible in the camera frame.
- Your phone should automatically recognize the QR code and display a notification.
- Tap on the notification to open the link scanned from the code.
- This will open the Bird app (if installed) or take you to the unlock page.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to rent the scooter and take your ride!
The QR code makes starting a ride very quick and convenient. No need to manually enter a scooter ID or go through an unlock process – just scan and go! As long as you have the Bird app installed, the QR code does all the unlocking work for you.
What Happens When You Scan the QR Code
Scanning the QR code on a Bird scooter links to the unlock page for that particular vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of what happens after you scan the code:
- The QR code contains an encoded URL with the scooter’s unique ID.
- Your phone camera picks up this URL when scanning the code.
- The URL takes you to the Bird app unlock page for that scooter (if you have the app installed).
- If you don’t have the app, it will take you to Bird’s website to unlock and rent that scooter.
- Bird’s systems automatically match the scanned ID to the scooter details.
- This allows it to unlock the scooter remotely for your ride.
- Any valid QR scan adds the unlock to your Bird account for a quick start process.
So in summary, the QR code streamlines the rental process by encoding all the necessary scooter details into a scannable barcode. When scanned, it identifies the exact vehicle being rented and unlocks it for a seamless riding experience.
Unlocking Without the QR Code
While the QR code provides the fastest way to unlock and rent a Bird scooter, there are options if you can’t locate or scan the code for any reason:
- Manually enter the 6-digit scooter ID: This can be found printed on the baseboard or stem.
- Use the Bird app to locate nearby scooters and select one to unlock.
- On the website, go to the “Unlock a Bird” page and enter the ID number.
- Tap the “Scan to Ride” button in the app and scan any code on the scooter.
- Contact Bird Support through the app for assistance unlocking a vehicle.
So even without scanning the QR code specifically, you can still start a ride on any Bird scooter by identifying it through the app or website. The QR just makes finding and entering the scooter ID extremely quick. As long as you have the ID, you can unlock and ride.
Why Bird Uses QR Codes
Bird relies on QR codes on their scooters for a few important reasons:
- Quick Unlocking: Allows riders to scan and unlock in seconds, with no typing or searching required.
- Error Reduction: Minimizes mistakes from manually entering long scooter IDs.
- Better Tracking: Links each scan directly to a scooter for more accurate rental data.
- Improved Experience: QR scan leads to faster rental start, less hassle for riders.
- Anti-Theft: QR codes can be disabled remotely to deter theft or misuse.
Essentially, QR codes allow Bird to collect precise data on scooter use, reduce friction for renters, and deter theft by irregular users. The codes provide a lot of advantages over other manual scooter unlock methods.
Are All Bird Scooters Equipped With a QR Code?
The vast majority of Bird scooters will have a scannable QR code present. However, there are some situations where you may encounter a Bird without one:
- An older model Bird may not have a QR code if it predates this feature.
- It could be damaged or worn off on very old or damaged scooters.
- Some jurisdictions may not permit QR codes on scooters for certain regulations.
- A new scooter may not have one applied right away before being put into service.
- Occasional manufacturing defects could miss applying the code during production.
Unless in very unusual cases, nearly every Bird out in the wild should have a QR code. If by chance you do find a Bird without one, the other unlocking methods will still work. But the vast majority – over 95% – will be equipped with QR codes for fast scanning access.
What to Do If You Can’t Find the QR Code
If you locate a Bird scooter but can’t manage to find the QR code, don’t worry! You have a few options to still unlock and ride it:
- Check carefully around all sides of the baseboard, stem, and handlebars in case it’s in an obscured spot.
- Look for a 6-digit alphanumeric ID printed somewhere on the scooter frame to enter manually.
- Open the Bird app and use the map to identify nearby scooters which will show an unlock button.
- Tap “Scan to Ride” in the Bird app and scan any code or sticker on the scooter instead of the QR code.
- Visit bird.co and select “Unlock a Bird” to enter the scooter ID number found.
- As a last resort, contact Bird Support in the app for help unlocking a scooter without a scannable code.
With one of these backup options, you’ll still be able to take your ride even without locating the QR code. The most convenient way is scanning the code, but the other methods work fine too.
Tips for Scanning Bird QR Codes
To ensure the smoothest experience scanning and unlocking your Bird, follow these pro tips:
- Download the Bird app before your ride to enable instant unlocking after scanning.
- Bring a mobile phone with a working camera and QR scanning capability.
- Check around the entire baseboard and stem area to locate the code.
- Get close enough so the QR code fills up the camera frame for easy scanning.
- Try scanning at different angles if you have any issues getting it to recognize.
- Make sure you have cellular data or wifi enabled if unlocking where the Bird app requires an online connection.
- Keep your camera steady when lining up the scan. Photos of codes won’t work!
Following these tips will have you locating, scanning, and riding your chosen Bird scooter in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about QR codes on Bird scooters:
How big is the Bird scooter QR code?
The QR code is around 2 inches wide and tall, with a pattern of black and white squares inside a square outline.
Does every Bird have the QR code or only certain ones?
Nearly every Bird scooter will have a scannable QR code present to allow quick unlocking. Only very old models or defective units may not have one.
What happens if I scan the code but don’t take a ride?
Your account will be charged a small fee for unlocking the vehicle. To avoid fees, only scan when you plan to immediately start your ride.
Can someone else use the scooter if I scan the code but don’t ride?
No, once the code is scanned the scooter is locked to your account for 15 minutes. No one else can scan and ride it during this time.
Why does the QR code sometimes not work?
If the code doesn’t scan, it may be damaged, you may not have the Bird app, or there could be connectivity issues. Try manually entering the scooter ID instead.
What if my phone can’t scan QR codes?
If your phone lacks native QR scanning capability, you can download an app like QR Code Reader to be able to scan and use the Bird codes.
Conclusion
In summary, Bird scooters have a QR code located on the baseboard near the stem to allow fast unlocking and rental. Simply scanning this code links to that exact vehicle in the Bird system and saves the hassle of manually searching for scooters or inputting identification numbers. The QR code provides the smoothest possible rental experience for riders. While not absolutely necessary, scanning the code is the best and fastest way to unlock your ride.