Unless you're buying some really crappy cars or bikes, they generally last for several years or decades, compared to the estimated month-6 months lifespan of e-scooters. (Bird has newer scooters coming out that are supposed to last almost a year. Almost a year. For an average of 3 rides a day.)

When you're arguing that your mode of transport is green but it only lasts a few weeks with relatively sparse usage, then the manufacturing carbon footprint is absolutely relevant. When the mode of transport lasts for decades and the manufacturing footprint is spread out amongst millions of others vehicles, the manufacturing footprint isn't very relevant.

You have a very good and valid point that I completely missed as I was fooled by the category it resides in.

It's asinine. I might as well include the CO2 footprint of the wear on your shoes and pants from walking.

You could, if you wanted an ultra-detailed comparison.

And scooters would still be found wanting. Pants and shoes can survive a few months of daily wear. With proper care, even cheapo stuff from Target/Walmart can last for years.

Right now, Bird and its competitors are struggling to get six months of lifespan out of scooters used an average of just 3 times a day.