New shared scooter program to launch in Manhattan

New partnership brings convenient, affordable transportation option to community members

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025

 

MANHATTAN — Shared electric scooters are returning to the city of Manhattan and Kansas State University through a new partnership with Veo, a shared mobility provider. Beginning March 1, Veo will deploy a fleet of 400 Astro scooters.

"Veo will give residents, students and visitors an affordable, alternative way to get around our community," said Jared Wasinger, assistant city manager. "This commitment to provide a micromobility program to the community will provide and enhance critical last-mile transportation access in Manhattan."

"Whether heading to class, running errands or meeting up with friends, scooters will give students and residents an affordable, convenient way to make short trips without a car," said Jeff Hoover, Veo's director of government partnerships. "Veo is committed to working with the city of Manhattan and K-State to establish a reliable, long-term program that meets community needs."

A crucial part of this partnership is identifying locations to deploy vehicles and parking hubs to best serve the community. Veo and the city are working closely to strategically locate parking hubs and deployment zones to better connect residents to employment opportunities and local businesses, including access to fresh, healthy food.

How to ride:

• Locate a ride: Riders aged 18+ can locate vehicles using the free Veo app
• Unlock and go: Using the Veo app, riders scan a QR code and pay $1 to unlock the vehicle. Riders then pay $0.35 per minute to ride the electric standing scooter.
• End your ride in a designated location: Upon completion of the ride, riders must park their vehicle in designated parking locations visible and navigable in the Veo app. Riders must take a photo within the app to confirm proper parking.

Through the end of March, riders can receive a $5 credit by using the promo code RIDE25.

Safe riding tips:

• Yield to pedestrians: Respect pedestrians' right of way and maintain a safe distance while riding. Exercise caution when passing or crossing paths with walkers or joggers.
• Obey traffic laws: Follow traffic signs and signals and ride with the flow of traffic.
• Wear a helmet: Prioritize your safety by wearing a helmet.
• Ride sober: Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.

Additional information on e-scooter ordinances and regulations is available on the City of Manhattan and K-State websites.

To prioritize rider safety, Veo will temporarily pause operations from 8 p.m. Friday, March 7, to 6 a.m. Sunday, March 9.

Veo will be in the community every day swapping out e-scooter batteries, addressing community concerns, and ensuring vehicles are properly parked to keep streets and sidewalks accessible.

If you have a question, would like to suggest a location for a micromobility parking hub or need assistance, contact Veo at 855-836-2256 or hello@veoride.com. For inquiries about a specific vehicle, please provide the vehicle's location and, if possible, the vehicle number found between the handlebars, just below the QR code.

Veo will also be available to answer questions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the K-State Student Union.

Launch promotions are also available through the Veo app. Riders with low incomes can visit veoride.com/veo-access to apply for a discounted rate.

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