Oregon State employees, students and visitors can now rent pedal bikes and seated electric scooters across the Corvallis campus, thanks to a new relationship with micromobility vendor Veo.
Riders 18 and older can find bikes and scooters at various locations across campus by using the free Veo app. They can then scan a QR code and unlock the ride of their choice, and use it to reach any destination they select on the Corvallis campus. The service area currently includes the OSU campus and surrounding neighborhood, with designated parking areas on private property only. Popular destinations include student housing, shopping and dining. The Veo app includes a map of the service area and parking spots.
Sarah Bronstein, sustainable transportation manager for Oregon State, says safety has been top-of-mind for this pilot program.
“Veo’s Cosmo scooters are limited to a max speed of 15 mph, and we are using geofencing to establish slow zones and no-ride zones where the scooters automatically slow even further or coast to a stop,” Bronstein said. “Transportation Services was already giving out free helmets to students every fall and spring. Veo will augment that by giving away at least one free helmet for every vehicle in the fleet. We also hope the scooters will offer an accessible transportation option for people who can’t ride a bike or walk long distances.”
Veo was selected through a collaboration and consultation with Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) and a wide range of OSU and community members. Veo has launched similar programs at other universities including Purdue and Texas A&M. The rental program is another step in making sustainable transportation accessible, affordable and easy to choose for the OSU community.
“ASOSU approached us in 2022 with a proposal, and that student energy was the catalyst we needed,” Bronstein said. “It has taken two years of continuous leadership and planning from students and campus partners to make this pilot project happen.”
The cost for bike rentals is a dollar per 30 minutes. Scooter cost is a combined $1 unlock fee and 39 cents per minute. Riders can get $5 in free credit by using the promo code OSU24. Riders who get Pell grants or qualify for any form of public assistance can apply for Veo Access. Qualifying riders get one free ride per day (up to 30 minutes) and a discounted rate of 20 cents per minute for additional minutes on the Cosmo seated scooters. Other discount plans are available.
Transportation Services will be leading a Micromobility Advisory Group to evaluate and review data on ridership, parking, safety and customer satisfaction. To join the advisory group, contact [email protected].
More information about the project is available in the FAQs on ASOSU’s Bike and Scooter Share page. For more information email [email protected]
~ Theresa Hogue
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