City of Grand Rapids selects Veo as new micromobility vendor

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City Commission voted this evening to select Veo as Grand Rapids’ new sole shared micromobility vendor. Veo will replace Lime, which has operated scooters and bikes in the city for several years. 

Mobile GR began the search in March by issuing a request for proposals. Lime and Veo both applied. A review panel scored each proposal, interviewed the companies, and tested their vehicles. Veo earned the highest scores in every stage of the process. A Mobile GR Commission member participated on the RFP panel, and the selection of Veo was discussed and supported by the full Mobile GR Commission on August 12, 2026.

The agreement with Veo is a three-year contract running from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2029, at no direct cost to the City.

City officials said Veo was chosen for four key reasons:

• Safety Technology

Within the first year of the contract, at least 50% of Veo’s fleet will be equipped with a radar system that scans 20 feet ahead to help prevent crashes and reduce sidewalk riding. The system can slow the device, play a warning sound, or stop it when an obstacle is detected. Veo also provides options to help prevent underage and impaired riding.

• User Pricing and Affordability

Veo offered lower prices than the current operator, including a lower standard perminute rate, dropping from $0.36 to $0.33 per minute, with the $1 unlock fee unchanged. These rates will remain fixed for the entire contract term. A new $5/month Veo Access program  will provide 30 free riding minutes daily and 50% off all additional minutes for those who qualify, with further reductions for trips starting or ending in equity areas. Additional affordability measures include a commuter membership, a transit rebate, and payment options for unbanked riders.

• Fleet Mix and Accessibility

Veo plans to provide a mix of seated scooters, ebikes, standing scooters and a few selfbalancing trikes. Most devices will be seated, improving comfort, stability, and accessibility. The company also offers free adaptive attachments for manual wheelchairs.

• Parking Compliance Technology

To improve parking accuracy, riders will use Near Field Communication (NFC) Tap‑to‑End‑Trip pads located on Designated Parking Zone signposts, in addition to standard GPS geofencing. Veo also uses tools to confirm when a device is parked upright and clear of sidewalks.

Demand for micromobility remains strong. Since 2020, more than 400,000 unique riders have taken over 1.8 million trips in Grand Rapids. This sustained growth shows how often residents and visitors rely on these devices and how essential the service has become to the community. 

“We are excited to welcome Veo to Grand Rapids,” said Jessica Smith, Mobile GR director. “Their proposal stood out because it improves safety, lowers costs and offers more types of devices. These changes will help people move around the city more easily.” 

"Transportation costs should not be the reason someone cannot get to work or to an appointment," said Max Gilles, strategic initiatives manager for Mobile GR. "Veo Access puts a half hour of daily riding within reach at $5 a month for those who qualify, with discounts beyond that and reduced rates in the neighborhoods where the need is greatest."

“Veo is honored to partner with the City of Grand Rapids to expand transportation options with seated and standing scooters,” said Jeff Hoover, Veo’s director of government partnerships. “The City’s new fleet provides a safe and accessible travel option for riders of diverse ages and abilities. We look forward to collaborating with the City to provide residents with a convenient, reliable way to get around.”

Mobile GR will now work with the City’s purchasing department to finalize the contract and prepare for service rollout. Additional details will be shared with riders and the community in the coming weeks.

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