OSU’s Bike and Scooter Share Pilot launched at the end of summer, initially averaging 200 rides per day. As the fall term began, ridership surged to 1,300 rides daily, accumulating over 50,000 rides by more than 7,000 riders in the first month of classes. Over 8,200 unique customers rode 110,900 plus miles in the first three months of the pilot. That’s about 40 times the average distance across the continental United States. Here are a few highlights from the pilot in its first months at OSU.
Service area map: Bike and Scooter Share users can ride across campus, to campus and back from nearby housing, and grab lunch or run errands at participating businesses. Parking for Veo bikes and scooters is available at most bike racks on campus and on participating private property as marked in the Veo app. If you’re curious, select a vehicle in the app to view parking locations near your destination.
Shared scooters replace car trips
The bike and scooter share program is meeting transportation needs and reducing car trips. Of 277 OSU riders responding to a survey conducted by Veo, more than half agreed that the service plays an important role in meeting their transportation needs. About three-quarters reported reducing car travel due to using shared scooters or bikes. This is significant, considering over 90% of respondents have a driver’s license and 60% own a car. The Shared Micromobility Pilot is making a meaningful difference in providing last-mile connections and reducing driving trips.
Things every rider needs to know
Helmet use
Helmets are required by Oregon law for all riders of any age on electric scooters.
Remember to bring your helmet with you so you can have it ready any time you want to hop on a Veo scooter.
Riding Responsibly
- Only one person is permitted on a scooter at a time.
- Riding while intoxicated is prohibited.
- Ride in the bike lane or on the right side of the road (not on sidewalks).
- Always yield to pedestrians.
Parking
- You can park in most bike racks on campus, as well as off campus at designated bike racks on private property. Look for the parking locations noted in the Veo app.
- Please don’t park on sidewalks, roadways or in landscaped or grassy areas.
- Tip: Before you begin your trip, look on the service area map for parking near your destination. Select a vehicle in the app to see all parking locations.
Need a helmet? You can request one free of charge at:
Making bikes and scooters affordable
The pilot prioritized affordability as a key sustainability factor for shared micromobility. Halo pedal bikes are available for all riders to rent at $1/30 minutes. Anyone receiving Pell grants, or any form of public assistance, can apply for Veo Access. Veo access waives all unlock fees for Cosmo Seated Scooters, and offers one free ride per day (up to 30 minutes). After that, participants ride at a discounted rate of $0.20 per minute on the Cosmo Seated Scooters.
Communication is a top priority during pilot
Many people on campus and in Corvallis are curious about how the pilot is going, and the project team has been making adjustments as needs emerge during the pilot launch. Conversations and actions are happening daily and weekly during the first months, and Transportation Services formed an ad hoc Micromobility Advisory Group to continue important conversations between campus stakeholders throughout the pilot year. This group meets quarterly to review data on ridership, parking patterns, incident reports, and customer satisfaction. The group offers an opportunity for key stakeholders to provide feedback and to receive updates on the program.
Have you tried a shared bike or scooter yet? They offer a new way to get across campus, run errands in nearby neighborhoods, or just enjoy a ride. And, when you step out the door, don’t forget to clip your helmet to your bag just in case you decide to ride at some point in the day.
