Rochester breaks micromobility record as residents take more than 565,000 scooter and bike rides during the 2025 season

Rochester, New York – Rochester has officially rolled past another transportation milestone. The City of Rochester, in partnership with Veo, announced that residents took over 567,000 scooter and bike rides during the 2025 season, shattering last year’s record and marking a 33% increase in ridership compared to 2024.

The surge in trips is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of a city steadily embracing clean, affordable, and flexible ways to get around. What began as a modest transportation alternative has evolved into one of Rochester’s most successful mobility programs, connecting neighborhoods, boosting businesses, and cutting down on carbon emissions.

“More and more, we’re seeing people choose to move around our city in ways that are easy, fun and affordable,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “It’s helping folks get where they need to go and enjoy our neighborhoods along the way. This year’s record use shows that the program is delivering practical value for people while supporting a more connected, affordable Rochester.”

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Veo, the operator of Rochester’s shared scooter and bike fleet, said the 2025 numbers underscore just how much residents rely on the system for everyday travel. “Rochester’s system is thriving because it helps residents with everyday travel,” said Jeff Hoover, Veo’s director of government partnerships. “Riders tell us they use Veo to get where they need to go faster and for less, and many are using shared scooters and bikes to connect to transit. We will continue working closely with the City so micromobility remains a reliable option for residents for years to come.”

A Growing Culture of Shared Mobility

The ridership boom didn’t happen by accident. According to Veo’s annual Rider Survey, conducted in October 2025 with 684 participants, users are finding both practical and personal benefits in choosing scooters and bikes over cars.

Nearly eight in ten riders said the service helped them reduce car travel, and more than a third said they decided against buying a car altogether. The survey revealed that many residents turn to Veo not only to avoid traffic and save on gas but also because they simply enjoy the experience of riding through Rochester’s streets and parks.

For many households, micromobility is more than a convenience—it’s a lifeline. Sixty-one percent of riders reported they do not own or have access to a car, while nearly half lack a driver’s license. That makes Veo’s service an essential bridge for residents who might otherwise struggle to reach jobs, appointments, schools, or transit stops.

Supporting Local Life and Local Business

Beyond commuting, shared scooters and bikes are also helping Rochester’s economy spin in the right direction. Forty-five percent of riders said they visit local businesses more often thanks to Veo, and 63% agreed that the program makes it easier to live in the city.

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The service appears to be especially popular among lower-income riders—67% of survey participants reported a household income under $50,000, underscoring the program’s importance in maintaining equitable access to transportation. Additionally, one in four riders identified as having a disability, demonstrating that the micromobility system continues to evolve toward greater inclusivity.

A Key Link in Rochester’s Transportation Network

Veo’s system is also complementing the city’s public transit options. More than half of all riders (52%) used a Veo vehicle to connect to buses or other transit within the past week, reinforcing the value of scooters and bikes as first- and last-mile solutions in a multimodal system.

The City of Rochester plans to continue expanding and refining its transportation network to keep up with growing demand. As winter approaches, Veo will begin winterizing its fleet in mid-December, with regular service scheduled to resume in spring 2026.

City officials say the pause will allow time for maintenance and preparation, ensuring that the program returns next year stronger than ever.

Looking Ahead

As micromobility becomes part of everyday life, Rochester’s streets are reflecting a broader transformation. What once was seen as a niche transportation experiment is now a vital urban connector—helping residents save time and money, reducing congestion, and fostering a more vibrant, active community.

With another record-breaking year in the books, Rochester is proving that when innovation meets accessibility, cities can truly move forward—one ride at a time.