The micromobility provider Veo launched a new electric scooter service in Salt Lake City on July 22, deploying a fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles across the city. The expansion adds a third major option to the city's existing shared mobility landscape, which already includes Lime e-scooters and GREENbike bike shares.
New Scooter Models and Accessibility
The new fleet introduced to Salt Lake City features two distinct vehicle types designed for different rider needs: the seated Cosmo scooter and the standing Astro scooter. According to a press release from Veo, exactly half of the newly deployed fleet consists of these seated scooters, a move intended to increase accessibility for riders of various ages and physical abilities.
Jeff Hoover, Veo's Director of Government Partnerships, stated that the company aims to provide more residents with a comfortable and approachable method of transportation. He noted that the company looks forward to partnering with Salt Lake City officials to improve local transportation options and enhance city-wide accessibility.
Launch Promotions and Discounted Fares
To mark the service launch, Veo is offering a promotion called the Pioneer Pass. This pass provides riders with up to 45 minutes of free riding per day through the end of July, provided supplies last. The company stated that this pass will be automatically added to the accounts of every new rider.
In addition to the launch promotion, Veo has introduced a discounted fare program known as Veo Access. This program is available to Salt Lake City residents with qualifying incomes, allowing them to access reduced ride rates to ensure clean transportation remains affordable for the community.
Salt Lake City Mobility Landscape
The arrival of Veo expands the options within Salt Lake City's established shared mobility framework. As noted by the Salt Lake City Transportation Division, the city defines shared mobility as the official term for both bike shares and dockless scooter systems, providing residents with one-way rental options for personal transportation.
Currently, users in Salt Lake City have access to GREENbike bike shares and e-scooters from two specific companies: Veo and Lime. The city's infrastructure for these services includes a mix of station-based systems like GREENbike and dockless options that can be left at various locations throughout the streets.
Parking Rules and Rider Conduct
The city maintains specific regulations regarding how dockless scooters should be used and parked to ensure public safety and accessibility. Salt Lake City officials advise that riding on sidewalks is prohibited in the downtown area, instructing users to stick to the streets instead. The Transportation Division also encourages riders to utilize the city's official bike map to plan their routes.
When finishing a trip, the city requires users to park dockless e-scooters between the sidewalk and the curb. To maintain pedestrian safety and ADA access, the city requests that scooters not be parked next to lamp posts, street poles, bike racks, or UTA bus stop signs. Furthermore, devices must not be left on the sidewalk in a way that impedes the general flow of people.
Regulatory History and Prohibitions
Salt Lake City's regulatory framework for these services has been in place for several years. While the first dockless scooter companies launched in the city in July 2018, the Salt Lake City Council officially adopted ordinance 56-20 in 2020. This ordinance established a specific dockless shared mobility section within the City code, setting out the requirements for both scooter companies and the users themselves.
There are also strict prohibitions on where certain devices can be left. For example, users are prohibited from parking shared bicycles or scooters within 50 feet of a GREENbike station, at UTA bus or train stops, or in designated vehicle parking spots.
Future Infrastructure and Contact Information
Looking forward, the City of Salt Lake City is actively working on developing a parking map and potential parking infrastructure for downtown and other high-use urban areas. This effort aims to further organize the use of shared mobility devices across the municipality.
Residents who have questions or wish to report issues regarding shared mobility can contact the city's transportation division via email at dockless@slc.gov.
