7.18 PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICES ON UNIVERSITY PROPERTY

Effective: July 14, 2026

Purpose: The purpose of this Policy is to promote safety, accessibility, and orderly campus operations by regulating the use, parking, storage, and charging of bicycles and other personal transportation devices on property owned, leased, or controlled by the University. This Policy is intended to reduce accidents, minimize conflicts between pedestrians and device operators, protect campus facilities and infrastructure, and ensure compliance with applicable law.

Scope: This Policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors who operate personal transportation devices on University property.

This Policy governs the operation, parking, storage, and charging of such devices on all University property, including streets, sidewalks, parking lots, walkways, and buildings.

Nothing in this Policy restricts the use of mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.

Responsible Office: Campus and Facilities

Policy Statement: Personal transportation devices may be used on University property in accordance with this Policy. Operators are responsible for safe and lawful operation and assume all risks associated with use.

The University reserves the right to restrict, regulate, or prohibit the use of specific devices in certain areas or during certain times when necessary for safety, accessibility, or operational purposes.

Permitted Areas of Operation

Personal transportation devices may be operated on campus streets and designated bicycle lanes unless otherwise posted.

Operation on sidewalks and pedestrian pathways is discouraged and permitted only when it can be done safely and without interfering with pedestrians.

Devices may not be operated:

• Inside University buildings;
• On athletic fields, lawns, landscaped areas, or other restricted grounds;
• In areas designated as pedestrian-only zones; OR
• In any area where signage prohibits their use.

Speed and Safe Operation

Operators must maintain a safe and reasonable speed appropriate for conditions and pedestrian traffic. Operators must yield the right of way to pedestrians at all times. Reckless operation is prohibited, including but not limited to:

• Weaving through pedestrian traffic;
• Performing stunts or tricks;
• Carrying passengers on devices not designed for multiple riders;
• Operating while distracted or impaired.

Operators must comply with all traffic control devices and applicable state and local laws.

Parking and Storage

Personal transportation devices must be parked in designated bicycle racks or approved parking areas where available.

Devices may not be parked or stored in a manner that:

• Blocks building entrances or exits;
• Obstructs sidewalks, ADA access routes, ramps, or stairways;
• Interferes with fire lanes, hydrants, or emergency access; or
• Impedes pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Devices may not be stored inside academic buildings, residence halls, offices, or other University facilities unless specifically authorized.

The University may remove and impound improperly parked devices.

Battery Safety and Charging

Because many personal transportation devices utilize lithium-ion batteries, the following safety standards apply:

• Charging of motorized personal transportation devices inside University buildings is prohibited unless specifically authorized.
• Batteries must not be modified, damaged, or charged using unapproved charging equipment.
• Devices with recalled or damaged batteries may not be used or stored on University property.
• The University may prohibit devices that present a fire or safety hazard.

Shared Device Programs

No shared device program may operate on University property without a written agreement approved by the University.

Such agreements may include requirements regarding:

• Fleet size limitations
• Designated parking areas
• Geofencing or speed controls
• Insurance coverage
• Indemnification of the University
• Data sharing or operational reporting

Shared device operators must comply with all terms of the applicable agreement.

Enforcement

Violations of this Policy by students may be referred through the Student Code of Conduct.

Violations by employees may result in disciplinary action consistent with applicable University policies.

Campus Police or other authorized officials may:

• Issue warnings;
• Remove or impound devices;
• Restrict device use on campus.

Repeated or serious violations may result in revocation of privileges to operate such devices on campus.

Liability

The University assumes no responsibility for theft, damage, injury, or loss arising from the use, storage, or parking of personal transportation devices on University property.

Operators are responsible for maintaining compliance with applicable laws and insurance requirements.

Definitions: All words and phrases shall be interpreted utilizing their plain meanings unless otherwise defined in another University or Board of Regents policy or by statute or regulation.

Mobility Device – A device used by an individual with a disability for mobility assistance as recognized under applicable law.

Motorized Personal Transportation Device – A PTD powered in whole or in part by an electric motor, internal combustion engine, or similar propulsion system.

Personal Transportation Device (PTD) - Any human-powered or motor-powered device used for personal transportation, including but not limited to:

• Bicycles
• Electric bicycles (e-bikes)
• Scooters
• Electric scooters (e-scooters)
• Mopeds
• Motorized skateboards
• Hoverboards
• Self-balancing boards
• One-wheel electric boards
• Segways or similar devices

Shared Device Program – A commercial or University-authorized program that provides PTDs for short-term rental or shared use.

University Property – Includes all land, buildings, sidewalks, streets, parking areas, athletic facilities, and other areas owned, leased, operated, or controlled by the University.

Procedures: All procedures linked and related to the policies above shall have the full force and effect of policy if said procedures have first been properly approved by the University’s administrator in charge of Campus Safety and Facilities.

Related Policy Information: 7.05 – Campus Safety; 7.11 – Use of Facilities After Closing Hours; 7.12 – Building Managers