Veo unveiled what it calls an industry first at Micromobility America: the Apollo Class II e-bike, which can accommodate two riders or additional cargo storage.
The Apollo is designed to increase ridership and reduce dependence on gas-powered vehicles by addressing two needs: the ability for two people to ride one vehicle and to transport goods utilizing a cargo storage system. The Apollo will launch in select markets in early 2023.
“As the micromobility industry continues to grow, we must expand our vehicle offerings to address unmet market demands,” said Candice Xie, co-founder and CEO of Veo. “The Apollo was developed in direct response to insights from rider surveys, feedback from municipalities and global research that indicates the immense need for safe tandem riding and cargo hauling. By opening up micromobility to new riders and new trip types, we can reduce car dependency and help cities advance their ambitious climate goals.”
The Apollo features a throttle-assist motor, which allows riders of varying body types and abilities to get where they need to go without pedaling. The throttle provides assistance for traveling up hills or carrying cargo and offers a boost to get up to speed from a stopped position. Veo’s ridership data shows that the first-generation throttle-assist e-bike, the Cosmo-e, receives four times as many rides per day as Veo’s electric pedal-assist bikes.
Once deployed, Apollo vehicles can carry two passengers or can be retrofitted to accommodate one passenger with additional cargo, depending on the needs of each market.
“If we want to get more people out of cars and into the bike lane, micromobility must accommodate rider needs for varying trip types and purposes,” said Edwin Tan, Veo co-founder and president. “A second seat and cargo-hauling capabilities make the transition to micromobility realistic for more people.”
