The Grand Rapids City Commission is expected to vote later this month on replacing Lime with Veo as the city's sole provider of rental e-bikes and scooters, a decision that could reshape how residents get around downtown and across the city.

The contract with Lime, the city's current provider, expires at the end of 2026. Mobile GR, the city's mobility team, has recommended moving forward with Veo, a company whose vehicles have been the subject of widespread complaints in Denver, where Veo was granted an exclusive contract.

From pilot program to exclusive contract

Grand Rapids began a pilot program in 2020 to provide "affordable mobility options" for city residents, using vehicles from Lime and Spin. In 2022, the city approved a long-term agreement with Lime to continue offering e-bikes and scooters on city streets.

Max Gilles, strategic initiatives manager for Mobile GR, told the Committee of the Whole on August 11 that the city is searching for only one vehicle vendor to avoid "device clutter" and to give the city additional leverage when negotiating prices.

Through a competitive search, Mobile GR received bids from both Lime and Veo. Gilles said Veo scored higher than Lime in both vendor interviews and vehicle testing.

What Veo offers

Veo vehicles come equipped with front-facing sensors designed to detect and prevent crashes, while deterring users from riding on sidewalks. The Veo fleet includes bikes and tricycles with storage baskets that Gilles said could carry groceries and other items.

"It's industry leading and something we're really excited about," Gilles said of Veo.

Commissioner Milinda Ysasi praised Veo's seated scooter option, calling it an asset to city commuters.

"As somebody who is very proudly in the middle of my life, a seated scooter makes me feel like I could maybe do that," Ysasi said.

Concerns raised from Denver

Veo's deployment in Denver has drawn criticism. Residents told CBS News that Veo failed to deliver on its promise to keep riders off sidewalks after receiving an exclusive contract with the city. An elderly resident who uses a walker complained that Veo did not respond to concerns after a scooter was left leaning against a gate in her yard.

Denver City Councilman Chris Hinds told Denver News 7 he has received over 100 complaints from constituents about Veo vehicles blocking sidewalks and creating clutter on city streets.

Documents acquired by The Denver Gazette include an internal email from Veo Policy and Partnerships Manager Rebekah Hernandez that reads, in part:

"It's not customary to respond to customer complaints or tickets due to the volume of complaints we receive across nationwide markets."

If approved, the contract would see Lime phased out as Veo begins its operations in Grand Rapids.

No response from vendors

Neither Lime nor Veo responded to a request for comment from The Grand Rapids Herald, which first reported on the proposed switch.

The City Commission vote is expected later this month.