Urbana Offers Dockless Bikeshare: Bikes and scooters (vehicles)
Urbana offers a dockless bikeshare program called VeoRide.
VeoRide aims to eliminate the problems associated with docked bikeshare systems.
In docked bike systems, users pick up bikes from a dock at a bikeshare station and return them to another dock at the end of their trip. Docked bike systems may have issues during peak travel times when stations may be full or empty – leaving frustrated cyclists unable to use the service.
The dockless bikeshare program in Urbana alleviates these issues and has been successful across the United States.
Using the Dockless System
Here’s how to use the system:
- First, download the VeoRide app on a smartphone.
- Next, find a vehicle by either spotting a bike or scooter or locating a GPS-equipped bike using the app.
- Next, unlock the vehicle's self-contained wheel lock by scanning a QR code with your smartphone. The ride will cost a small fee to unlock the vehicle, plus a cost per minute while the vehicle is in use.
- Once you reach the destination, park the vehicle in any bike rack, push down the button on the lock to end the trip, and secure the vehicle.
The app shows how far the vehicle traveled on your trip, how much it cost to ride, and other information such as how many calories burned on the journey.
What to Do When You Can't Use a Bike Rack
If there are no bike racks available to park the vehicle or they are all full, you can check the app for designated parking areas. Riders may only park on the sidewalk when there is clearance of at least four feet remaining when the vehicle is parked to allow a wheelchair to pass on the sidewalk. Riders should not block doors or handicap ramps and may leave the bike anywhere a car can park for free.
The following are not acceptable places to park:
- In the way of or near traffic
- In a crosswalk, sidewalk, or near a fire hydrant
- On outdoor furniture other than secure sidewalk benches
- On driveways and private property
If you need a Veo vehicle moved, please send a request with a photo of the vehicle if possible, to hello [at] veoride.com (hello[at]veoride[dot]com) or you may call 1-855-VEO-2256 and someone will come to move the bike.
For questions, please see the FAQs below.