They landed without warning on the sidewalks of cities across the country this summer. In Providence, residents had started to discover the scooters, which are unlocked with an app, then left on the sidewalk for the next user. 

But the guerilla-style launch of the scooters angered city leaders in some places. Providence officials crafted new regulations for a pilot scooter-sharing program. 

According to a spokesman from the Mayor’s office, the company must submit an application and limit the number of scooters in the city to 300 for the first year. Bird also has to provide a minimum one-million dollar insurance policy. 

Reporter John Bender was the general assignment reporter for The Public's Radio for several years. He is now a fill-in host when our regular hosts are out.