Syracuse University students react to the return of Veo.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Veo Fleet Returns to Syracuse
Adam Thomson: With the return of warm weather in Syracuse comes the return of the Veo electric bikes and scooters. The vehicles became available on March 10, with the Syracuse Common Council approving a contract extension with Veo for the 2025 season. This comes after concerns were raised about the neglect of the vehicles as well as well as how they operate on damaged roads and sidewalks. A press release from Mayor Ben Walsh on March 7 states “For many in Syracuse, particularly those without cars, Veo is a vital transportation option for work, shopping and more.” Walsh also states that ridership experienced steady growth in 2024 with 500,000 rides totaling roughly 750,000 miles ridden and of 800 surveyed riders, 65% used Veo when commuting to work. Among those who utilize Veo is Syracuse University Junior Seth Brown who finds Veo to be an affordable way to commute.
Seth Brown: I’m glad they’re back, I use them a lot during, if I’m late to class I can just use it like a quick spend three dollars to get to class. It’s very cheap, there everywhere to find, they are better than taking the bus or walking sometimes.
Thomson: While the scooters and bikes can be a convenient and cheap way to get around, many don’t consider the dangers of riding. Syracuse University senior Griffin Price explains why he steers clear from Veo.
Griffin Price: My insurance just doesn’t cover it, so if I were to get hurt or just really badly injured in general, then the insurance wouldn’t cover it and my parents would have to pay that out of pocket.
SYRACUSE, N.Y (NCC News) – With the return of spring in Syracuse comes the return of the Veo e-bikes and scooters. The micromobility program made its return to city streets on March 10. The Syracuse Common Council voted to extend their contract with Veo for the 2025 season.
The vote comes after officials raised concerns about vehicle neglect, and how the bikes and scooters operate on damaged roads and sidewalks within the city.
Mayor Ben Walsh officially announced the return of the fleet on March 7 with a press release. Walsh believes Syracuse residents are excited to “venture out.”
“For many in Syracuse, particularly those without cars, Veo is a vital transportation option for work, shopping, and more,” Walsh said.
The extended contract with Veo includes an updated operating agreement. The agreement includes improvements such as hiring additional staff, new technology for improved parking, and financial contributions from Veo to enhance infrastructure for bike and scooter usage.
The release also contained statistics and ridership information for the 2024 season. In 2024, there were 500,000 rides totaling around 750,000 miles ridden. Additionally, among 800 surveyed riders, 59% did not have access to a car, and 65% of riders using Veo to commute to work.
Among the many who use Veo day-to-day, Syracuse University students frequently use Veo to get to and from campus. Syracuse University junior Seth Brown describes Veo as being an “affordable way to commute.”
“I’m glad they’re back, I use them a lot during, if I’m late to class I can just use it like a quick spend $3 to get to class. It’s very cheap, there everywhere to find, and yeah, they are better than taking the bus or walking sometimes,” Brown said.
While some see Veo as affordable and convenient, many don’t understand the risks involved. Syracuse University senior Griffin Price steers clear from using the bikes and scooters.
“My insurance just doesn’t cover it, so if I were to get hurt or just really badly injured in general, then the insurance wouldn’t cover it and my parents would have to pay that out of pocket,” Price said.
For more information on Veo rider rules and safety, visit https://www.veoride.com/syracuse/.