The Electric Trike: The Next Big Thing in Shared Micromobility?
Veo has unveiled the Rover, a three-wheeled electric sit-down vehicle for shared use, in Denver. The trike is designed for accessibility, with self-balancing, a 45-mile range, and a cargo basket.
Shared micromobility vehicles like bikes and e-scooters are a common sight in cities worldwide. Now, Veo is adding a new option: electric tricycles. At an event in Denver on Tuesday, the company introduced the Rover, a three-wheeled, sit-down electric vehicle designed for anyone to ride on city streets.
The Rover operates like a shared bike or scooter: sign up via the Veo app, pay an unlocking fee, and ride. It measures 2.5 feet wide, allowing it to legally fit in standard bike lanes (typically 3 feet wide). Top speed is 10 mph, deliberately slower than the usual 15 mph cap for rental vehicles, for safety. The trike uses the same batteries as Veo’s other EVs, providing a range of about 45 miles per charge. A rear cargo basket can hold up to 100 pounds of luggage or groceries.
Veo is a smaller player in the micromobility space, operating in about 60 smaller U.S. cities. In May, Denver signed an exclusive contract with Veo, replacing Lime and Bird as the city’s sole supplier of shared bikes and scooters. Veo chose Denver to debut the Rover and test its appeal.
The Rover is primarily an accessibility play. Three-wheeled vehicles are more stable and self-balancing, making them easier for people with mobility challenges. City governments often require micromobility companies to provide accessible options. Veo designed the Rover with input from disability advocates including the Disability Mobility Initiative, Parkinson's Foundation, and Capitol Hill Village, as well as AARP to appeal to older users. The self-balancing design eliminates the need for a kickstand.
Like other Veo vehicles, the Rover features an AI-powered voice assistant that gives directions, location info, and traffic updates during rides. Its software includes lidar sidewalk-detection technology to prevent riding on sidewalks where banned. Veo collects anonymized geolocation and ride data to understand trip patterns and plan expansion to other markets. The company hopes the Rover will be seen as cool and appeal to all ages.
