This was my impression when I went to Santa Monica/Venice last December and I had to step over an unused Bird scooter every 3rd step. But recently I was in Atlanta and they are hugely popular there. Everyone from little kids to office workers with helmets on were using them. I wish they were in my city, seems like an awesome way to travel <10 blocks. I'll be going to LA and Atlanta both fairly soon and will def give the scooters a try.