[IshKebab]

I agree. Bike sharing companies are ten-a-penny.

I think they're imagining that there will be geographic network effects - "my city is full of CompanyX scooters, so I'll use their app". I don't know though, seems a bit dubious.

Also I seriously doubt they are anywhere near to making even a vague profit. They're charging maybe 3x as much per ride compared to bikes, but the scooters must be easily 10x more expensive and they have to pay people to charge them.

[jandrese]

Bird's chargers are freelancers that get $5 per scooter charged. Given the price of renting them it seems like they have thin margins even before you account for the capital costs of buying and replacing the things, plus theft and destruction.

I suspect that $5 might start shrinking if they stick around. It seems just a touch generous currently. I guess it depends how many bored kids with bikes are available and willing to do the work.