ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Renting an electric scooter to get around the city may be wrapping up soon for the winter season, but not before setting some new ridership numbers. Veo, the electric bike-sharing company that operates in more than 50 cities across the country, including Rochester and Syracuse, released its year-end numbers. The company is celebrating a record riding season.
In Rochester, Veo says ridership is up 33% this year as compared to 2024, with more than 567,000 shared electric scooter rides. In Syracuse, Veo saw more than 625,000 rides around the city. The shared micromobility provider plans a return to both cities next year.
Ashley Smith rents an electric Veo scooter almost daily to get to appointments, the library and just about anywhere in Rochester. She doesn’t have a car.
“I ride these often. I take them everywhere. They are more convenient than the bus, especially if you do not want to be crowded by everybody,” said Smith.
Smith estimates she’s logged more than 100 rides. Some for as little as five minutes to a half-hour. She appreciates the flexibility and that she can park it just about anywhere when she’s done. For her, the scooters are the difference between staying home or feeling a part of the city. She’s just bummed they’ll be on pause until the milder weather returns.
“I am going to be sad, I am going to be sad because there isn’t going to be any bikes to ride,” said Smith.
Veo credits ridership success in all of its cities, like Rochester and Syracuse, to collaboration, infrastructure, service zones and riders like Ashley Smith in order to keep this program moving to provide clean transportation that is accessible to all.
The snow and cold will temporarily pause the scooter service until about mid-March or so, when the scooters will be back, charged and ready to rent.
