The City of Columbus is launching a new shared mobility initiative that provides residents with various transportation options, such as e-scooters and bikes, in partnership with Veo, a micromobility company. This program follows the termination of the city's bike share affiliation with CoGo. WBNS reported the details on the new Columbus and Central Ohio Shared Mobility Program.
Starting this Saturday, residents 18 years and older can access Veo's fleet, which includes the Astro standing scooter, Cosmo seated scooter, Halo pedal-assist e-bike, Halo pedal bike, and Apollo two-seated class two e-bike. To start using the vehicles, riders are to quickly download the Veo app, which is free, and scan a QR code on their chosen mode of transport, paying $1 to unlock it and between 25 and 50 cents per minute of usage. Prices, however, will vary depending on the vehicle type, as emphasized by Spectrum News 1.
Parking regulations require riders to leave the vehicles in designated zones, at bike racks, or along the sidewalk perimeter. In a statement obtained by Spectrum News 1, Jeff Hoover, Veo's director of Government Partnerships, explained, "Columbus’ dedication to accessible, sustainable transportation makes it the ideal place for Veo’s most diverse city fleet yet." He further noted that the program aims to cater to various users, "whether it's a nurse opting for a seated scooter after a long shift, a college student headed to class, or a parent using an e-bike to make it home for dinner."
The introduction of this program also comes with important safety reminders for riders. The City of Columbus emphasizes that riders should always yield to pedestrians, respect their right of way, and maintain a safe distance while riding—and, importantly, not ride on sidewalks. Following traffic laws, using bicycle lanes where available, wearing helmets for safety, and riding sober are crucial elements of responsible vehicle use. FOX28 outlined these guidelines to support the safe operation of these new transportation options in Columbus.
