Bird Scooters were placed around Tuscaloosa on Aug. 23, and city officials are now gathering the rechargeable rides after the company’s lack of appropriate permits.

Whether it is a faster way to class or a simple joy ride, UA students have been taking advantage of these GPS-enabled transportation devices. The devices can be located by the Bird app and rented at an upfront cost of $1 plus fifteen cents a minute.

Ava Percynski, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, said she has been using Bird scooters as an alternative way to class.

“It made going to class quick, easy and fun,” Percynski said. “I think they are a great idea, and I hope they stay in Tuscaloosa. The app is also user-friendly and inexpensive.”

Although students may be enjoying them, there have been complaints of the Bird scooters blocking sidewalks and various pathways.

Monica Watts, associate vice president for communications, said UA officials have reached out to the company, and they have agreed to remove the scooters unless or until a formal agreement is reached in compliance with our campus policies and guidelines.

“The topic is being discussed and considered both internally and with representatives from Bird,” Watts said. “We are always considering available options for making [campus] more accessible and easier to explore.”

Watts said the University assures that it will provide updates following the meeting with Bird.