This spring, the Ride & Drive Experience returned to Columbus. From scooters to electrified SUVs, this new series is helping residents explore how electrified mobility is transforming the region's transportation systems to meet our growing needs.

Led by Smart Columbus in partnership with the City of Columbus, these events are part of a broader strategy to prepare for a modernized, electrified, and more connected Columbus.

As the city grows, electrified mobility isn’t just a environmental solution. It’s about the need to innovate and create solutions that offer tangible benefits, like affordability and a quality-of-life upgrade.

Not just EVs: A wider lens on electrified mobility

The Ride & Drive Experience shows Columbus residents how electrification can show up

across many modes of transport. That includes:

• Micro-mobility: scooters, e-bikes, and other last-mile options
• Personal vehicles: a wide range of EVs, from sedans to pickup trucks
• Transit: education around alternative fuels and future-forward public mass-transit options

Partners like Honda, MORPC, and the City of Columbus are connecting this work to long-term infrastructure, affordability, and environmental goals — and to the challenge of serving a metro population projected to top 3 million by 2050.

Building buy-in for a modernized transportation system

This spring’s Ride & Drive events reached more than 700 residents across four events.

There were a total of 126 test drives and countless conversations.

“I didn't really know a lot about electric vehicles, but this was very informative and I learned a lot.”

— Spring 2025 Ride & Drive participant

“This Ride & Drive event offers our team members a great way to look at electric vehicles without the pressure of the dealership.”

— Shannon Tolliver, Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability Manager at White Castle

The most popular vehicle so far? The Hummer EV. But what stood out wasn’t just the cars — it was the chance for people to get curious, ask questions, and imagine how these options might actually fit into their lives.

Watch what participants had to say

What’s next: More events, more models, more momentum

The Ride & Drive program is just getting started. This fall, 10+ events are planned across the region, with new 2026 models being announced and showcased throughout the fall.

It’s all part of building a regional movement to build a modern, electrified, and equitable transportation system for all residents.

Keep an eye out for fall events near you!