The city of Syracuse has become one of the most popular cities in the country for Veo scooters. The micro-mobility program has been a great alternative for many to navigate around the city.
Getting started is fairly simple: download the Veo app on your phone, inputing a payment method and then finding a scooter to get started.
Veo officials in Syracuse said the average ride from one side of the city to the other costs about $4. The app will show you where a scooter near you is located, and once you find it, you scan the barcode to unlock a scooter or e-bike. Once you start the ride, you'll be charged for the amount of time you use the scooter and not the mileage.
We spoke to the district operations manager who said, on average, each scooter is being used about three times each day in Syracuse. The district manager said Syracuse is an ideal city for these scooters, because many destinations are within close proximity of each other.
Tourism officials are also strong advocates of the system.
"I always thought Syracuse was kind of ideal for a system like this. But, honestly, we've been getting even more ridership than I was expecting, and I was always on the positive side of things. So, yeah, it's been great. And, it's nice to know we are filling that need," said Veo Syracuse District Operations Manager Paul Colabufo.
"They're super convenient. Obviously with the environment they're environmentally friendly as it's battery powered. They're on every corner so instead of waiting for an Uber or a taxi you can just jump on a scooter if you're going a short distance and get there quickly. It's a lot of fun, it's great for tourism," said Visit Syracuse President and CEO Danny Liedka.
Riders are asked to stay off the sidewalks, ride on the side of the street with traffic and abide by traffic laws. The battery will not allow you to take these out of city limits. Users are required to take a photo of the scooter when they complete a ride. If you park in a bad spot, you can be fined after receiving a warning.
Paul Colabufo said the scooters were first introduced in the city last fall and were so popular the fleet was expanded.
Syracuse is one of 40 cities nationwide that offers Veo scooters.