U of A Partners With Spin on Discounted e-Scooter Pricing for Pell Grant Recipients and Low-Incomes

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Spin e-Scooters parked along steps by Old Main.

The U of A, in partnership with Spin, recently announced a program that will offer discounted rides specifically to students receiving Pell Grants.  

Pell Grants are federal grants that students typically do not have to repay, according to the Department of Education. They are awarded to students who demonstrate great financial need. Nearly 20 percent of undergraduate U of A students received Pell Grants in 2017-18, according to College Navigator data. 

Students can apply for these discounted rates. You will be asked to provide documentation indicating your eligibility. In addition to a grant letter, Spin will also accept a letter from your institution indicating your inclusion in a low-income program and current-year status, a paid invoice for the current year or a dashboard screenshot from StudentAid.gov that indicates your current-year eligibility.

"Spin is excited to be able to offer this option in order to make our service more accessible to all students regardless of financial status," commented Derek Stehlin, manager of campus success at Spin. "With increased access to Spin vehicles, more students will have the opportunity to use our service and cut down on car traffic on and around campus." 

In addition, both Spin and Veo offer discounted prices to qualifying low-income riders. The program is intended to make micro-mobility a more affordable transportation option for residents who might otherwise have to walk or rely on public transportation to get to work or school. In addition to reduced prices, Spin also offers options for riders who do not own a smartphone or credit card.  

Access program pricing from both companies is available to individuals who have already qualified for local, state or federal benefits programs. Applicants will need to provide proof of their enrollment in one of these programs in order to qualify. This might be a signed letter from a local assistance organization, discounted utility bill or a card or other document showing enrollment in a state or federal program such as Medicaid, SNAP or EBT. Additional information about the access programs and specific qualifying documents are available on the vendors' websites below: 

• Veo: www.veoride.com/veo-access
• Spin: www.spin.app/spin-access-us 

The U of A Office for Sustainability's transportation work focuses on promoting more sustainable transportation options such as walking, biking, buses and carpooling. The transportation methods used by U of A students, faculty and staff affect environmental, social and economic initiatives on campus. More than 30,000 people commute to and from the U of A campus daily.   

On the U of A campus e-scooters have been a great addition. The U of A campus is micromobility friendly, having recently installed mobility ramps in place of stairs, bike lanes, shared lanes on calm streets and designated parking areas.  

About the Office for Sustainability: The mission of the University of Arkansas Office for Sustainability is to motivate, facilitate, and coordinate responsible practices through partnerships with students, faculty, and staff across all campus departments. The OFS uses the campus as a living laboratory by overseeing the implementation of the University of Arkansas environmental goals.