Indio residents try out new Bird Scooters

Officials gathered in Downtown Indio to officially launch Bird Scooters during a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The bright blue and black electric scooters are now available throughout the city for people to use.

Indio Mayor, Waymand Fermon, tells News Channel 3, why he thinks these electric vehicles will be a positive addition to the city.

"It's just another means of transportation that's clean and also affordable for our residents, especially at a time like this," says Fermon.

We were able to track down a scooter using the Bird app and found one parked in a neighborhood just blocks from Downtown Indio.

Residents and businesses tell News Channel 3 they are excited about the scooters, but have some questions when it comes to parking.

Bob's Twin Kitchen Owner, Javier Jauregui, tells us he's excited about the scooters' arrival and is already thinking of ways to accommodate parking.

"The solution will be, I’m gonna give them a little spot. So that way people won't hit them and people will, you know, make sure they see them when they're leaving," says Jauregui.

Approximately 300 scooters have been rolled out just weeks before Coachella Music Festival.

Indio Police Department reminds people to be safe while using the electric scooters, especially during festival season.

"We're like anything else. Anyone that has had too much to drink, or unfortunately, might use your weight drugs and alcohol, you shouldn't be handling anything, whether it be a scooter, whether it be a bicycle or vehicle, get a ride, be safe, think safe, make good decisions, that would probably be the best thing," says Benjamin Guitron, Indio Police Public Information Officer.

Indio is the second city in the Coachella Valley to offer Bird Scooters. Learn more about how neighboring city, Coachella has used the e-scooters HERE.