Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved an agreement with a company called Bird Rides to have electric scooter rentals in the community. During a Monday meeting, commissioners were told Bird Rides will bring 50 of the scooters to Benton Harbor to be stationed along Main Street downtown. Mayor Marcus Muhammad said he’s seen them for rent in other cities and they seem to be a hit. He shared an image of them online.
“I took a photo of he scooters in downtown Grand Rapids, and I said ‘coming to the city of Benton Harbor,’ and it generated over 35,000 views,” Muhammad said. “People were just – for whatever reason – were so attracted to that kind of recreation to come to our city.”
Muhammad said the scooters will be an asset that attracts people. Bird Rides will maintain them, and the company will pay the city a $750 licensing fee. Commissioner Juanita Henry said that’s too low, but Muhammad notes any money the company makes will be subject to the city income tax.
