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Denver announced Thursday that it will begin enforcing scooter and e-bike violations involving Veo electric vehicles, citing concerns over sidewalk riding and improper parking.
Under city ordinances, riding on sidewalks is prohibited in most circumstances and riders are required to park devices appropriately.
Following a review by the City Attorney’s Office, officials determined that micromobility provider Veo was not complying with certain provisions of its contract with the city and applicable ordinances.
“We have a responsibility to keep our sidewalks safe and accessible,” Mayor Mike Johnston said in a news release. “Veo riders should do their part by riding and parking responsibly and keeping sidewalks clear for pedestrians. We expect Veo to help reinforce expectations, and we will continue to hold the company accountable for ensuring riders follow the rules.”
Beginning Nov. 1, the city will enforce the ordinance and allow residents to report Veo-related concerns directly to city officials.
Councilmember Chris Hinds, who sponsored the ordinance and requested the City Attorney’s review of Veo’s contract, helped develop the enforcement effort.
Hinds said recent legislation will help address the widespread concerns.
“Sidewalk riding has been illegal in Denver since before I took office. What changed on July 1 is that the law now puts the responsibility squarely on the operator and gives the operator the technology to meet it,” Hinds said in the release. “Veo’s own numbers showed more than 338,000 sidewalk-riding events in its first two months. That is not a rider education problem. It is a compliance problem and, starting Nov. 1, the city will treat it as one.”
According to the news release, staff members have met with Veo multiple times to address concerns. Those discussions prompted the company to announce plans to issue fines for sidewalk riding, add parking corrals and improve its sidewalk-detection technology.
City officials said they will continue working with Veo to improve compliance with local laws and the terms of its contract until the issues are resolved.
Denver MayorEbikeVeoVeo Scooters
