Scoot Over! How New Haven Rolls Now, 300 E-Scooters Hit Streets

NEW HAVEN, CT — The city officially launched its shared electric scooter program this week.

Late last week, the city and Veo began rolling out 300 new electric scooters at 50 stations across New Haven, "bringing a new affordable, convenient, and sustainable way for residents and visitors to get around," Mayor Justin Elicker noted in a news release.

"Offering electric scooters is another step toward creating a city where everyone has access to convenient, affordable, and safe transportation options that help them get from point A to point B. Electric scooters will make it easier for residents to get to work, go to an appointment, or connect to another transit hub – and they are also a very fun way to get around and explore the city," Elicker said. "This initiative builds on the city’s ongoing efforts to expand travel options in a climate-friendly way, helping residents access active transportation that benefits both their quality of life and our environment."

In New Haven, residents have quickly begun to use the shared scooters. Since the launch of the program on Saturday, there have been over 1,400 rides from approximately 700 unique riders, traveling an average of 2 miles per trip for a total of approximately 4,000 miles. Each scooter has been ridden on average 1.25 times per day, demonstrating strong early usage and adoption.

"Scooter sharing is more than just a new way to get around—it’s about expanding access to affordable, sustainable transportation that helps people reach the places that matter most," said Jeff Hoover, Veo’s Director of Government Partnerships. "Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, visiting a friend, or supporting a local business, New Haven’s new micromobility program will give residents more freedom and flexibility in how they move. Veo looks forward to working closely with the City to ensure the program reflects and responds to the community’s unique needs."

How to Ride

• Locate a ride: Riders aged 18+ can locate vehicles using the free Veo app on their smartphone.
• Unlock and go: Using the Veo app, riders scan a QR code and pay $1 to unlock the vehicle. Riders then pay $0.40 per minute to ride.
• End your ride in a designated location: Upon completion of the ride, riders must park in designated locations identified with a “P” in the app. Riders must take a photo within the app to confirm proper parking.

Promotions and Offers

• Launch promotion: Riders can get $5 in free credit with the promo code NHV25 through July 31.
• Veo Access: Riders with low incomes can visit veoride.com/veo-access to apply for a discounted rate.
• VeoPlus: VeoPlus is a monthly subscription that offers discounted rides. Signing up for the $6.99 per month program waives all unlock fees and grants members access to exclusive offers.

Ride Responsibly: Riding Dos and Don’ts
Do

• Wear a helmet: Riders are strongly encouraged to always wear a helmet while riding.
• Yield to pedestrians: Give people walking the right of way every time.
• Park responsibly: Leave your vehicle in a designated parking corral.
• Take the bike lane: Ride in the street or bike lane, not on the sidewalk.
• Obey traffic laws: Follow stop signs, signals, and speed limits.
• Have fun! Enjoy the ride!

Don’t

• Ride underage: Riders must be 18+ to unlock and operate.
• Ride on the sidewalk: Keep sidewalks clear and stick to the street or bike lane.
• Double ride: One rider per vehicle.
• Ride under the influence: Never while under the influence—it’s illegal.

If residents or riders have a suggestion, a question, want to flag a scooter that may need to be moved, or want to report irresponsible riding activity, they can reach Veo at 855-836-2256 or hello@veoride.com.

The city collaborated with the Capital Region Council of Governments to learn from the Veo partnership with Hartford, which has had 100,000 rides logged by over 10,000 riders since the program launched in August 2024. A recent survey of 270 Hartford riders found that the program is increasing mobility and reducing the need for car trips: nearly two-thirds of riders (65%) don’t own or have access to a car, and 67% have been able to cut down on car travel thanks to shared scooters.

"We’ve seen a remarkable response to shared scooters in Hartford, and we’re eager to build on that momentum as we expand to New Haven," said Matt Hart, Executive Director at the Capitol Region Council of Governments. "This program is about making sustainable, convenient travel an option for everyone, and we’re committed to bringing these benefits to our purchasing council member communities throughout the state. Kudos to the City of New Haven for taking this step to improve mobility for its residents."