Shared micromobility firm Veo is entering the retail scooter market with the launch of the Veo Cosmo X. The Veo Cosmo X is a seated, pedal-less e-scooter and it will be available in the US. Previously, a couple of shared micromobility firms have attempted selling their e-scooters with measured success. Veo hopes to deliver the Cosmo X in batches with the first batch of 1,000 units planned to be released this year.
Veo secured New York City’s e-scooter
permit that allowed it to operate its shared micromobility service. Veo’s
competitor, Bird had previously attempted to sell its own e-bike with little
success. Veo is adopting a sequential approach due to the high failure rate of
such a venture. It hopes to gauge customer interest before plunging into the
full-scale rollout of the Cosmo X.
According to Candice Xie, Veo CEO and
co-founder, the reason why the brand was unveiling the Cosmo X was because it
felt the timing is right. Veo currently has millions of users on its shared
micromobility platform, with tens of millions of trips already completed. The
Cosmo X is one of Veo’s most popular vehicle types in all markets. The Veo
shared micromobility service uses e-bikes, pedal bikes, and electric kick
scooters, and is available in 50 markets across the US. The company has had
positive feedback and requests from its customers about purchasing the Cosmo X.
Veo is therefore confident that the new shift in its operation will be viable.
The Cosmo X is the same scooter that is
used for its shared micromobility service. Therefore, Veo says it has avoided
the pitfalls that consumed the Bird VanMoof model. VanMoof’s mistakes were due
partly to quality issues. Candice Xie further stated that Veo will use its
extensive network of service and distribution centers across the US for the
Cosmo X. The company also plans to expand its network and offer more form
factors apart from e-scooters.
The Veo Cosmo X starts at US$ 3,499 and its
lead time is about three months. The cheaper version, the Cosmo S costs US$ 2,899
and will be out by September. Veo is offering a free detachable basket and
helmet for buyers who purchase during the pre-order period.