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St. Petersburg City Council Extends E-Scooter Contract

VeoRide electric scooters parked neatly in St. Petersburg's designated corrals.

News Summary

The St. Petersburg City Council has approved a three-month extension for VeoRide’s electric scooter service, ensuring the continued availability of e-scooters on city streets. Since their introduction in October 2020, these scooters have gained immense popularity, with over 1.2 million rides taken. The extension will also allow the city to explore proposals from other companies to enhance micromobility options. Furthermore, operating hours will expand starting April 1, with rentals available from 5 a.m. to midnight, providing greater accessibility for both residents and visitors.

St. Petersburg City Council Keeps the E-Scooters Rolling!

Exciting news is buzzing through the streets of St. Petersburg! The City Council has just given a big thumbs up to a three-month extension of VeoRide’s electric scooter service contract. This decision was made to ensure that these speedy little scooters don’t suddenly vanish from the sidewalks come March 14.

VeoRide Scooters Have Taken St. Pete by Storm

Since they first zipped onto the scene in October 2020, VeoRide’s Astro stand-up e-scooters have become a favorite choice for locals looking for a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. Can you believe that more than 1.2 million trips have been taken on these scooters? That’s a lot of people zooming around! In fact, on busy days, there have been over 3,800 rides reported. Talk about a scooter-loving community!

But, alas, the clock was ticking on the previous contract set to expire on March 14. If the extension hadn’t been approved, it would have been a serious disruption to service. Thankfully, the Council Member representing District 6 pointed out how vital this extension is for her constituents. Preserving this e-scooter service means people can continue enjoying their rides and avoid the hassle of searching for alternate transportation.

Time to Level Up Micromobility

This extension isn’t just about keeping the scooters on the streets. It’s also a golden opportunity for the city to explore proposals from other companies to enhance St. Pete’s micromobility options. A win-win, right?

Just to give you a taste of how things have changed in St. Petersburg’s transport scene, the city switched from Coast Bikes to Lime bikes in 2023. This savvy transition has not only increased bike availability but also saved the city about $50,000 annually. Every little bit helps!

How the E-Scooter Works

So how do these nifty scooters work? Riders simply need to download the Veo app to hop on. The scooters can zip along at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. It costs $1 to unlock a ride, with a per-minute fee ranging from 33 to 37 cents depending on the scooter type. Just a gentle reminder: rides need to end in designated geofenced areas, and improper parking may come with fines. Nobody wants a parking ticket!

Extended Hours and Growing Demand

And hold on to your helmets—come April 1, the operating hours will be extended! Rentals will now be available from 5 a.m. to midnight. Research has shown that extending the hours doesn’t pose safety risks, which is fantastic news for night owls. However, it’s worth noting St. Pete is one of the few cities still having a curfew on scooter rentals.

What’s the verdict on user behavior? Well, studies have indicated that demand peaks during weekends, with many riders using the scooters for fun outings, dining, and entertainment trips. Sounds like a great way to explore the city!

A Model for Organized Parking

St. Pete is also leading by example with its parking practices. With about 100 designated parking corrals for scooters, the city has set the benchmark as the first in the U.S. to implement a fully corral-based parking system. This initiative helps keep the streets neat and tidy, preventing clutter and ensuring that scooters are parked properly.

Revenue Boost and Accessibility

Currently, there are only 491 VeoRide scooters operational in the city, with a surprising low inventory loss rate—a thumbs up for St. Pete! Not only has the scooter program generated significant revenue for the city, but it has also increased accessibility for both residents and visitors. It’s a win for sustainable urban mobility!

As St. Petersburg continues to embrace its vibrant micromobility initiatives, residents can look forward to more excitement and convenience on the streets. Thanks to the City Council for keeping the scooter wheels turning!