Helmets will be available at any of the Visitor Information Centers located at 2427 Main Street, 200 Santa Monica Pier (Looff Hippodrome), and 1400 Ocean Avenue.
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) and Santa Monica-based, micro-mobility company Veo have announced a partnership to distribute free helmets to riders in the City. The two organizations are also collaborating with Santa Monica Spoke, a local 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving walking and biking in the City.
“Safety remains a top priority in Santa Monica which makes this partnership with Veo so important to us,” said Misti Kerns, President and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. “Historically, over 80% of overnight visitors to our community never use a car once they arrive in Santa Monica, demonstrating the walkability of the area. Additionally, the 19 miles of green bike lanes throughout the City support active mobility and we’re confident this collaboration is going to further encourage travelers and our residents to safely use alternative transportation and that’s a win for everyone.”
Helmets will be available at any of the Visitor Information Centers located at 2427 Main Street, 200 Santa Monica Pier (Looff Hippodrome), and 1400 Ocean Avenue. After use, helmets can be returned to one of these locations where they will then be donated to Santa Monica Spoke for a future community project. Helmets are one size fits most. In accordance with local regulations, all riders must be 18 years or older to rent a Veo e-bike or scooter.
“Whether you’re headed to the beach or going to dinner downtown, hopping on a shared scooter or bike is one of the best ways to explore all that Santa Monica has to offer,” said Candice Xie, Veo co-founder and CEO. “Veo always encourages our riders to wear a helmet, but we also know it’s not the first thing many visitors pack in their luggage. This unique partnership will make it easier for anyone to grab a free helmet on the go. We thank SMTT for partnering with us to support a safe and sustainable travel experience for visitors.”
Headquartered in Santa Monica, Veo has been providing shared electric scooters and bikes since July 2021 as part of the City’s shared scooter and bike pilot program. Their mission is to end car dependency by making clean transportation accessible to all. Riding is simple: simply locate your ride using the VeoRide app, scan the QR code and pay a $1 unlock fee. Riders then pay an additional per-minute rate for each trip taken. The company also offers a discounted pricing option for lower-income riders through its Veo Access program.
