New e-bikes launch in Alexandria with $5 coupon

Rental e-bike company Veo announced that it’s started to deploy 300 e-bikes across the city following a launch in September in Arlington.

The new fleet of new electric bikes all come equipped with throttle assist, meaning the toggle for the level of assistance is available on the handlebar rather than being build into the bike as part of the pedal mechanism.

“Veo offers the shared micromobility industry’s only class 2 throttle-assist e-bike,” the company said in a release, “which features a throttle and pedals to make it easier for riders of varying body types and physical abilities to ride long distances comfortably while maintaining balance and control.”

In an email, a spokesperson for the company said Veo is offering a $5 credit that can be redeemed in the app using the code HIVA5. The credit is available through Saturday, Oct. 29.

Riders must be 18 years old or older to ride — a restriction that has admittedly rarely stopped anyone under 18 from using electric scooters and other devices — and like scooters the riders scan a QR code to unlock the vehicle.

Rides are $1 to unlock and cost $0.39 per minute.

However, residents who receive federal, state or local assistance and students who are FAFSA-eligible can sign up for a discounted $5 monthly fee that waives the unlock fee and provides a free 30-minute ride every day, with additional rides coming in at a discounted $.20 per minute rate.

To end the trip, the bikes must be parked in an approved parking area with an “end-of-ride” photo of a properly parked bike. Recommended parking areas, along with no ride and no parking zones, are highlighted in the Veo app.

“Arlington and Alexandria have long been at the forefront of urban mobility as adopters of the region’s bikeshare system over a decade ago,” said Candice Xie, CEO of Veo. “We’re working closely with local leaders to increase the use of shared mobility in the region and bring new riders into the fold with our class 2 e-bike.”

Photo via Veo/Facebook