Bird Scooters have a been a topic of debate over the last few weeks after they showed up in Cleveland unannounced.
As quickly as they were dropped off, they were gone.
The city gave them the boot, but they could be coming back.
They were popular among many in the time they spent on the streets and sidewalks of Cleveland, but from day one, the city itself wasn't happy.
As of Thursday, there's hope they may return.
The city of Cleveland released a statement saying that the dockless bikes and scooter systems raise zoning, safety, and right-of-way use issues.
Following a review, the city says it will engage in an open and competitive process to allow the City to identify the best operator.
Cleveland is not the only city to prohibit the scooters. Cities in California have kicked electric scooters out too.
In Denver, Bird scooters were confiscated by city officials for the same reasons Cleveland cites, blocking sidewalks and operating without a permit. They returned two months later in July after negotiating permits.
The city of St. Louis has two companies, Bird and its rival Lime; both were kicked out before being welcomed back.
Bird has a track record of dropping off scooters and getting kicked out before making a return, and there's a good chance Cleveland will join the list.
Bird voluntarily pulled scooters from Cleveland on Monday saying they are "hopeful that we will be able to collaborate with the city on their permitting process.
For the first time, it appears both sides agree on something – they're talking.