Looking For A New Way To Get Around Sarasota? E-Scooter, Bike Sharing Program Launching

SARASOTA, FL — There will soon be a new way for residents and visitors to get around the city — on a bike or e-scooter available through a new sharing service.

Sarasota city commissioners gave the new micro-mobility transportation options the green light at their Monday meeting when they unanimously approved an agreement with Veo, an e-scooter and bicycle sharing provider based in Chicago.

The company will serve as the exclusive operator in designated areas across Sarasota, the city said in a news release. The service should launch in early March.

Initially, Veo will provide between 350 and 400 seated and stand-up scooters, and 50 to 75 traditional and pedal-assisted bicycles for rent. The company has the option to increase its rental fleet if usage requirements are met.

City staff will begin assessing areas of Sarasota where scooter and bike corrals may be operated via geofencing and establishing parking corrals, the city said.

Rental costs for scooters will be $1 to unlock them via a mobile app, and 37 cents per minute. Bike rentals will be 50 cents per half hour. Through its Veo Access program, the company also offers discounted rates to low-income users who qualify.

The city will receive a share of the company’s revenues as part of the two-year agreement.

“We’re overjoyed to be bringing these convenient, safe and cost-effective transportation options to Sarasota,” Mayor Erik Arroyo said. “Having a micro-mobility program will help fill in the gaps in our transportation network for first-mile and last-mile trips to help our citizens get where they want and need to go. I’m looking forward to this transformative and successful partnership with Veo.”

As part of the agreement, the company has committed to employing locally based staff who will be available to repair and replace vehicles, return misplaced scooters and bikes to parking corrals, and respond to any issues, the city said.

“Many of the industry’s biggest companies responded to the city’s call for vendors, but we were most impressed with Veo’s plan to make this a true partnership and serve the unique needs of our community,” Mark Lyons, parking division general manager, said.

Veo operates in more than 35 cities across the country, including St. Petersburg and Gainesville in Florida.

“Our goal at Veo is to develop collaborative, long-term partnerships with cities, like Sarasota, to work together to create a sustainable, safe and equitable transportation future,” Candice Xie, Veo CEO, said. “Sarasota is a fantastic market for residents as well as tourists and Veo e-scooters and bikes provide eco-friendly options that fill the gap between mass transit, passenger vehicles, and walking.”