Bird CEO Robert Vis Confirms 20% Workforce Reduction, Shifts Hiring From Europe to United States

Bird founder and CEO Robert Vis has confirmed a significant restructuring of the electric scooter company, announcing approximately 20% headcount reduction with the majority of cuts concentrated in Europe, while hiring continues across key functions in the United States.

In an internal communication reviewed by workers, Vis described the decision as difficult but necessary, stating the reduction would primarily impact European operations while allowing for smaller adjustments across the broader business. The announcement signals a deliberate geographic realignment, with the company explicitly noting continued hiring in US go-to-market roles, engineering, and other core functions. The contrast between ongoing US recruitment and European layoffs underscores a strategic recalibration of where the company sees growth potential.

The restructuring raises questions about Bird's operational footprint in European markets, where the company built its initial presence as a pioneer in dockless e-scooter rentals. For workers in affected regions, the announcement represents immediate career pressure with limited clarity on specific timelines or affected departments. The decision also highlights broader pressures facing the micro-mobility sector, where companies have struggled with regulatory costs, vehicle maintenance challenges, and the difficulty of achieving sustainable unit economics across multiple geographic markets simultaneously.