Nearly 50 Bird Canada electric scooters have been stolen in Windsor, Ontario, in recent weeks, as reported by the micromobility company’s general manager, Patrick Graham. The thieves have targeted the scooters for their lithium-ion batteries, which are valuable in the black market. Graham expressed gratitude for the police’s collaboration in addressing the issue.
Although the thefts have affected a significant portion of Bird’s approximately 400 scooters in Windsor, Graham stated that it hasn’t hindered their service to the city, as they have relocated scooters from other areas to maintain the local fleet. Bird’s scooters and e-bikes returned to Windsor earlier this summer after a temporary halt due to the end of a pilot contract.
Graham noted that while Bird operates in over 20 Canadian cities, thefts have been more prevalent in Windsor, with the current incidents representing an unusual surge. He suggested that organized crime groups may be behind the thefts, dismantling the scooters to sell the batteries clandestinely.
In response to the recent thefts, Windsor police have sought public assistance in recovering stolen scooters, some of which were found stripped of parts, including their batteries. Graham expressed confidence that the authorities would eventually track down the culprits due to the traceable information within the vehicles.
CBC contacted local businesses selling mobility devices with lithium-ion batteries, but none reported thefts involving their products. Jessica Senay, from Comfort Mobility and Home Health Care, highlighted the importance of securing valuable items and recommended insuring such products to prevent theft.