Startup that launched bicycle sharing program at Purdue in 2017 is expanding to campuses around the country

Veoride Inc., which launched a dockless bicycle sharing business at Purdue University in October, is expanding to other universities and cities. Here is a photo of a bicycle made for the University of Kansas, which will have 180 KU-branded bikes available at designated bike parking areas across the campus in Lawrence, Kansas. (Image provided) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A startup that launched a dockless bicycle sharing business at Purdue University and West Lafayette in October is expanding to other universities and cities.

The University of Kansas and New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire, have signed contracts with VeoRide Inc., which allows riders to use a smartphone to locate a nearby bike and unlock it.

“We believe bike shares have the power to transform a community, not just by addressing their transportation needs, but also by providing an opportunity to connect with others and be active,” said Candice Xie, VeoRide’s business development vice president.

VeoRide also expects to add several more universities and cities in the coming weeks. Since its bike sharing program began in October at Purdue and West Lafayette, VeoRide bikes have been ridden more than 15,400 times.

VeoRide will initially make 180 KU-branded bikes available at designated bike parking areas across the campus in Lawrence, Kansas.

“The KU Bike Share program in partnership with VeoRide provides an eco-friendly and fun transportation option for commuting and recreation at no cost to the university,” said Diane Goddard, the university’s vice provost for administration and finance. “Founded by recent Purdue University alumni, VeoRide understands university communities and was the perfect partner for KU.”

A special VeoRide-KU Launch Event will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 18 in front of Stauffer-Flint Hall. For the first two weeks, KU students, faculty and staff will be able to try VeoRide for free, and community members can experience VeoRide for half off. Beginning in May, pay-as-you-go rides will be available for as little as 50 cents for 15 minutes. Additional packages for monthly or yearly rates are available, with discounts for KU students and employees.

VeoRide has grown out of its space in the Purdue Railyard, an entrepreneurial co-working space in the Purdue Research Park, and has opened an office in West Lafayette.

Xie, who received a bachelor’s degree from Purdue’s Krannert School of Management, and Edwin Tan, the chief executive officer, who earned a master’s degree from the School of Mechanical Engineering, say the Purdue Foundry, an entrepreneurship and commercialization accelerator on campus, helped them come up with a business plan and provided valuable assistance in helping the business to launch. 
Purdue Research Foundation contact: Tom Coyne, 765-588-1044, tjcoyne@prf.org

Source: Candice Xie, Candice.xie@veoride.com