Denver is officially moving on from Lime and Bird. The city has announced that it will not renew its micromobility contracts with Lime and Bird and instead plans to transition to a new provider, Veo, beginning in Spring 2026. As Denver ends contracts with Lime and Bird, many riders who rely on shared e-scooters will certainly notice this shift in the micromobility landscape.
In practice, however, it does not meaningfully affect riders from an injury or liability standpoint. Whether the Denver e-scooter is operated by Lime, Bird, or Veo, riders still agree to liability waivers, and accident claims are handled the same way under Colorado law. Consulting a skilled Denver e-scooter accident attorney is still essential to recover compensation.
Denver Ends Contract with Lime and Bird: What the City Decided
Denver’s shared micromobility program is managed by the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI). DOTI oversees the city’s e-scooter and e-bike program and determines which companies are licensed to operate fleets on public streets.
Lime and Bird have operated thousands of dockless e-scooters and e-bikes in Denver for years under five-year, non-financial license agreements that required safety compliance. Furthermore, they required free or discounted rides through equity programs for low-income and undocumented residents.
Renewal of such agreements is based on several factors, including performance, compliance, and city priorities. The current agreements are set to expire, and Denver has decided not to renew them.
Denver Ends Contracts with Lime and Bird: Why?
When Denver ends contracts with Lime and Bird, it does so after evaluating several core issues that cities across the country consider when managing micromobility programs.
Safety is at the top of the list. Cities assess how well operators maintain devices, address braking and steering issues, control speeds, and educate riders about safe use.
Compliance and enforcement also matter. Denver wants operators that respond quickly to improperly parked scooters, respect fleet size limits, and comply with restricted zones. Persistent sidewalk clutter, blocked curb ramps, and scooters left in pedestrian pathways have been ongoing concerns.
Technology plays a growing role. Cities increasingly expect better geofencing, more accurate parking verification, and improved data sharing to identify problem areas and enforce rules.
Affordability and equity are also key factors. Denver wants shared e-scooters and e-bikes to serve a wide range of residents, not just tourists or downtown commuters, and that includes access programs for low-income riders.
As Denver Ends Contracts for Bird and Lime, What Could Change for Riders
Denver ends contracts with Lime and Bird and plans to transition to Veo, a micromobility company founded in 2017 that operates in cities across the U.S. Although final details are still being negotiated, riders can expect several noticeable changes.
A New App and Account Setup
One of the most immediate changes will be a new app. Riders will likely need to download Veo’s app, create a new account, and re-enter payment information. Ride history from Lime or Bird may not carry over. If you rely on ride records for work reimbursements, budgeting, or accident documentation, it is smart to save receipts and screenshots now.
Pricing and Access Programs
Pricing structures often change with a new operator. Unlock fees, per-minute rates, and ride passes may look different under Veo. Access and discount programs may also be updated. Denver has emphasized affordability and equity in its selection process, but riders who qualify for low-income programs should review eligibility requirements early to avoid disruptions.
New Devices and Safety Features
Veo is expected to deploy a more diverse fleet. This may include standard standing scooters, seated scooters, e-bikes, and adaptive devices designed for riders with mobility limitations.
Denver has also pushed for improved safety technology, such as better sidewalk detection, parking verification, and geofencing. While these tools can help reduce violations, they do not eliminate the risk of crashes or injuries.
Increased Enforcement
Denver ends contracts with Lime and Bird during a period of tightening micromobility enforcement. The city has passed new measures aimed at keeping riders off sidewalks and holding users accountable for unsafe behavior. As a result, riders should expect more active enforcement, stricter penalties, and less tolerance for rule-breaking.
What to Do Immediately After a Denver E-Scooter Accident
Even though Denver ends contracts with Lime and Bird, crashes will still happen with the new operator. If you are involved in an e-scooter accident in Denver, your actions in the moments after the crash matter.
- Move to safety if you can, and get out of traffic and away from active roadways to reduce the risk of further injury.
- Call 911 for injuries or vehicle involvement, especially if you were struck by a car, hit your head, lost consciousness, feel disoriented, or cannot move normally.
- Get a police report when a motor vehicle is involved or injuries occur, as having a police report creates an official record that can be critical for insurance and injury claims.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible because injuries such as concussions, fractures, and soft-tissue damage may not be immediately apparent.
- Document and report the incident through the rider app when possible and save copies of all submissions, photos, and confirmation screens.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Statements made immediately after a crash can be used by insurance companies to reduce or deny compensation.
It is essential to contact a Denver e-scooter accident lawyer promptly if you or a loved one has been injured in a crash. An experienced attorney ensures you get the compensation you deserve by dealing with the insurers on your behalf. When an accident victim does not consult with an attorney, insurance adjusters will take advantage of your difficult situation and propose lowball offers quickly.
Who May Be Liable Under Colorado Law for a Denver E-Scooter Accident
Liability in e-scooter accidents is rarely straightforward. When Denver ends its contract with Lime and Bird, responsibility does not suddenly move to Veo. Regardless of the operator, fault most often lies with the rider or an at-fault driver, depending on how the crash occurred.
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you are found 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation.
Riders may be found partially or fully at fault if they were speeding, riding while impaired, ignoring traffic signals, or riding in prohibited areas.
Third-party drivers frequently cause Denver e-scooter accidents by turning across bike lanes, opening car doors into riders, speeding, or failing to yield. In these cases, the driver’s insurance may be responsible for damages.
Road conditions can cause serious crashes as well. However, while these claims do happen, they are less common. Government immunity laws and strict notice deadlines often make them harder to pursue.
Why Scooter Company Waivers Matter Even if Denver Ends Contracts with Lime and Bird
When you unlock an e-scooter, you agree to the company’s terms of service. These agreements often include liability waivers, arbitration clauses, and limits on damages.
This is one reason why companies like Lime, Bird, and Veo are often shielded from direct liability. However, a waiver does not automatically eliminate all legal options, especially when third parties are involved.
A Denver e-scooter accident lawyer can review these agreements and determine what claims are available. Even as Denver ends contracts with Lime and Bird, this new company offers very similar terms of service to riders in the city.
What Compensation May Be Available After an Injury
If you are injured in an e-scooter accident in Denver, compensation may include:
- Emergency and medical treatment costs, including ambulance care, hospital stays, imaging, surgery, and prescription medications.
- Ongoing medical care and rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, follow-up visits, and long-term treatment.
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity, including missed work and reduced ability to earn in the future.
- Property damage, including items like phones, helmets, or other personal belongings damaged in the crash.
- Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Early and consistent medical treatment helps both your recovery and your claim. Keep records, follow your care plan, and document how the injury affects your daily life. Your Denver e-scooter accident lawyer uses this evidence to accurately calculate the value of your claim, pursuing all forms of compensation.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Even as Denver ends contracts with Lime and Bird, does the e-scooter claims process change?
No. Whether the e-scooter is operated by Lime, Bird, or Veo, injury claims are handled the same way under Colorado law, and riders still agree to similar liability waivers.
Who is usually at fault in a Denver e-scooter accident?
Liability most often falls on the rider or an at-fault motorist, depending on how the crash occurred. Roadway defect claims are possible but less common due to government immunity and strict notice deadlines.
What should I do if I get into a Denver e-scooter accident?
Call 911, seek medical care, and make sure a police report is filed. Collect evidence and file a claim with insurance. Finally, consult a Denver e-scooter accident lawyer.
Even as Denver ends contracts with Lime and Bird, will stricter enforcement reduce e-scooter accidents?
Improved technology and enforcement may reduce some violations, but crashes will still happen. Riders should continue to ride defensively and understand their rights if an injury occurs.
Contact Us Today and Make Sure Your Denver E-Scooter Accident Doesn’t Cost You More Than It Should
As Denver transitions from Lime and Bird to Veo in 2026, riders can expect new devices and stricter enforcement, but the risk of serious injury remains. Ride defensively, follow traffic laws, and document unsafe conditions whenever possible. Even though companies are seeking to improve their technology and safety standards, e-scooters still present significant risks to riders.
If you or a loved one have been injured while riding an e-scooter in Denver, it’s important to take action early. Even though Denver ends contracts with Lime and Bird, the claims process remains the same. Speaking with a reputable, skilled personal injury law firm based in Denver is the first step toward securing your rightful compensation.
Contact us at Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® today for a free consultation to learn how we can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
