US micromobility operator Veo is to add a new e-bike with a bench seat to its fleet. While e-cargo bikes are often built to accommodate a passenger, it’s unusual for one to be employed within a public share scheme.

Established in 2017, Veo operates in over 40 cities across the US, offering a mix of light electric vehicles spanning e-scooters, e-bikes and e-mopeds.

While it’s fitted with pedals, the Apollo has a decidedly moped look about it. Veo say it’s been designed to address a hitherto unmet demand for safe tandem riding and cargo hauling.

“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 Veo co-founder and president, Edwin Tan. “A second seat and cargo-hauling capabilities make the transition to micromobility realistic for more people.”

The Apollo features a throttle motor, meaning you don’t actually need to pedal to get power assistance. Veo seem to suggest it’s primarily there to provide a boost when setting off or riding uphill. However, the fact that the firm’s throttle-assist e-bikes receive four times as many rides per day as its pedal-assist bikes suggests that it’ll be employed a lot more consistently during rides.

The Veo fleet also includes a more conventional-looking pedal-assist e-bike, the Halo, which is also available in a non-electric form, as well as two standard e-scooters and the Cosmo, a vehicle not dissimilar to the Apollo that is billed as a ‘seated scooter’.