TOLEDO, Ohio — Driving through downtown Toledo, especially at night, you've probably seen the neon glow.
Veo scooters and bikes rolling through the Glass City handle an average of 1,000 rides per day. While the number of rides is impressive for the first few weeks of this 10-month program, downtown hostess Kasey Rogers has seen some riders making questionable choices when she gets off work around 11:30 p.m.
"Drunk people riding them everywhere," Rogers exclaimed.
But so far, Toledo police say there have been no traffic incidents, citations, accidents or OVI's involve the Veo scooters or bicycles.
As far as the mayor's office is concerned, things are going well to this point. Yet police and city officials want riders to follow the rules.
"[Riders] don't really care to watch out for other people and things," Rogers said. "So, like, they just cross the street when they want with them, they go in front of cars, all that type stuff when they shouldn't."
Therefore, when a rider gets involved in a serious accident, then what happens?
City spokesman Ignazio Messina explained it's in the fine print.
"That's probably a question for a lawyer," he said. "But I think there is a rider responsibility that's probably spelled out in small type on the app when you start to ride."
Alex Keating, the Veo Director of Public Policy & Partnerships added the company's thoughts on a serious accident.
"As with any crash or injury in the public right of way, the first step is to ensure that a full investigation is completed by the local authorities. From there, a plan of action is designed in response to the investigation findings in partnership with the city and police department," Keating explained.
He's correct, according to Veo's website under User Agreement. There is a section on Assumption of Risk and Release. Riders have automatically agreed using any services related to Veo is at their own risk.
Keating added that Veo takes riders' safety and all street users very seriously.
"The riding rules and regulations must be viewed and affirmatively acknowledged when creating an account - this includes acknowledging violating traffic rules or riding under the influence will not only lead to being banned from using Veo's service but are also against the law and enforceable as such."
Veo has eyes on the streets according to Keating. The field technicians can report dangerous riding or parking behavior. Apparently, warnings, fines, and/or account termination are based on the vehicle ID number and location of the incidents which are all being collected during a ride.
"The public can also report illegal behavior to Veo through our customer service line (855-836-2256) or by using the 'Report an Issue' tool within Veo apps Help Center. All reports are investigated," Keating said.
During the 10-month program, data is being collected on more than 300 scooters and bikes to track their convenience and affordability. This information will allow the city to decide whether to keep them. Though the program is free for the city to implement, Toledo earns nothing in Veo profits.
"This is a private enterprise that we thought of as a benefit and an amenity to our residents and we wanted to bring it to Toledo. Like you see it in cities like Columbus, or Cleveland or anywhere else," Messina said.
"The program has been very well received in Toledo and has already proven to be a useful new mobility option for residents and visitors. In the weeks to come, Veo will be able to provide more data insights into the use and functioning of the system," Keating added.
So, after 10 months, if Veo is here to stay, Rogers asked one thing of late-night riders cruising around downtown
"I just think they should follow the rules to riding them and be more cautious," she said.