City of Syracuse to again offer fee-based Veo scooters

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The City of Syracuse and Veo announced that the scooters are returning for those needing some transportation help in the months ahead.

Veo is part of what is officially known as the city’s micromobility program. The Veo fleet — featuring class 2 throttle-assist e-bikes and standing scooters — will nearly double in size from last year’s fleet to “meet the growing demand” for shared mobility across the city.

As part of the initial spring launch, Veo will deploy 850 vehicles — representing a 70-percent increase from last year — with the option to expand to a fleet of 1,000 vehicles.

The program will build off last year and the introduction of a new vehicle type — the Cosmo-e throttle-assist e-bike — which “supported a year of record ridership.”

“Since launching in 2021, the micromobility program has expanded at a steady pace creating mobility options for Syracuse residents without a vehicle,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said in a release. Syracuse’s growing fleet isn’t just a fun way to get around the city, it’s filling a critical transportation gap.”

The Cosmo-e’s throttle increases micromobility access for more riders by opening up e-bikes for travelers who are unable to pedal; need support traveling up hills; or “want a boost to get up to speed” from a stopped position, Walsh’s office said.

“Veo ridership has gone up in Syracuse for the third year in a row, as the demand for shared scooters and bikes continues to grow,” Candice Xie, co-founder and CEO of Veo, said in the city’s news release. “Syracuse riders are making it clear that they want affordable, sustainable travel options. According to Veo’s 2023 rider survey, 42% of Syracuse riders have been able to decrease car travel because they have access to shared scooters and bikes. Veo looks forward to another year making it possible for residents and visitors to travel sustainably in Syracuse.”

Walsh office says Syracuse’s micromobility program is also helping increase transportation access in the community: of the nearly 500 Syracuse residents who took Veo’s 2023 rider survey, more than 50 percent don’t own or have access to a car.

Santa Monica, California–based Veo says it is “on a mission to end car dependency by making clean transportation accessible to all. We have provided millions of shared bike and scooter rides in [more than] 50 cities and universities across North America,” per its website.

How to ride

Riders ages 18 and over can locate vehicles using the free VeoRide app. Using the VeoRide app, riders scan a QR code and pay $1 to unlock the vehicle. Riders then pay a 31 cents-per-minute rate for the duration of their trip. Upon completion of the ride, users  park their vehicle in designated parking locations and take a photo within the app to confirm proper parking.

Syracuse riders can get $2 in free credit with the promo code SPRING through March 31. Riders with low incomes can visit veoride.com/veo-access to apply for a discounted rate.

Veo users are encouraged to yield to pedestrians, park responsibly, and wear a helmet. They’re also advised to not double ride, ride underage, ride under the influence, and ride on the sidewalk, Walsh’s office noted.