Contracted electric scooter service from Bird Rides, Inc., is expected to remain uninterrupted for Minnesota State Mankato and the Mankato community after the California firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late December.

Earlier last month David Cowan, University Facilities Services Director and Parking & Transportation Administrator, contacted Bird to inquire about continued service to the campus after learning of the pending bankruptcy from a New York Times news article.

Responding by email, Chris Stockwell, Bird Director of Sales and Government Partnerships, assured Cowan that service would not be affected as the company restructures its finances under Chapter 11. “Regarding our service to campus and the City of Mankato, nothing will change,” Stockwell stated in the email.

Bird filed for Chapter 11 on Dec. 20. The company raised $25 million from primary lenders to fund normal operations and expects its financial restructuring process to run 90 to 120 days.

The University’s contract with Bird runs through July 2025.