Exclusive: See the new shared scooters coming to Denver
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A Veo two‑seater Apollo e-bike. Photo: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios
Denver's new shared scooter and bike program vendor Veo will deploy five models for its expected spring launch, including a vehicle the company says isn't widely available anywhere else.
Why it matters: Locals will get access to one of the most diverse micromobility fleets in the country as Veo tries to meet the city's mission to move more people out of cars and into bike lanes.
Zoom in: California-based Veo gave Axios Denver an exclusive first look at the vehicles it plans to deploy in the city. They include:
- A standing and seated scooter and an e-bike model with cargo space and a two-seat option.
- Denver will be the first market in the U.S. to get a mass debut for a three-wheeled scooter called a trike, Veo's vice president of policy and partnerships Alex Keating tells us.
Context: Most of Denver's fleet will be seated vehicles, giving riders more choices for getting around, Keating says.
- The company has worked with organizations including Disability Rights Washington and AARP to develop its micromobility options.
Between the lines: Denver City Council last year passed new rules aimed at improving public safety and regulating micromobility use, including requiring sidewalk detection technology, which Veo's vehicles have.
- Other Veo safety features: front and rear suspension, under-deck lighting, geofencing preventing scooters from operating in certain areas, and speed-limiting to 15 mph.
- Riders must complete an in-app safety training and pass a quiz before they can take off. And vehicles come with a voice function that alerts riders about the vehicle's rules.
The intrigue: Some vehicles will be equipped with helmets riders can keep for free.
- The app will give people a discount for wearing them.
Threat level: Last year, a record 15 people died while riding standing electric scooters in Denver, more than in the previous six years, Westword reported.
What's next: Lime and Bird's current contract expires in May.
- Keating says his company will try to ensure a smooth transition, including ensuring low-income riders have access to discounted fares.