14. Electric Bicycles and Electric Scooters

The College seeks to promote the safe use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) on campus while reducing fire, life-safety, and property risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and electric mobility devices in residential facilities.

Definitions

  • Electric Bicycle (E-Bike): A bicycle equipped with an electric motor and rechargeable battery that provides propulsion assistance.
  • Electric Scooter (E-Scooter): A stand-up or seated scooter powered by an electric motor and rechargeable battery.
  • Battery-Powered Mobility Device: Any personal transportation device powered by a rechargeable battery, including e-bikes and e-scooters. This policy does not apply to mobility devices used as accommodations under applicable disability laws unless otherwise specified by the College.

Permitted Use

  1. E-bikes and e-scooters may be used on campus in accordance with all applicable laws, traffic regulations and College policies.
  2. Operators must exercise reasonable care and yield to pedestrians.
  3. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets and other appropriate safety equipment.

Storage Requirements

E-bikes and e-scooters may not be stored inside residence halls, student apartments, houses owned or operated by the College or any other residential facility.

E-bikes and e-scooters may not be stored in:

  • Student rooms or suites;
  • Hallways, stairwells, lounges, common areas, or entryways;
  • Mechanical rooms, storage rooms, or utility spaces;
  • Any location that obstructs exits, accessibility routes or emergency egress.

E-bikes and e-scooters must be secured at outdoor bicycle racks or in other designated outdoor storage areas approved by the College.

Battery Storage and Charging Prohibition

Batteries for e-bikes, e-scooters and similar devices may not be charged inside any residential facility.

Batteries may not be stored inside residence halls, student apartments, College-owned houses or other residential spaces, regardless of whether the battery is attached to the device. Removal of a battery from a device does not exempt it from this policy.

Extension cords, power strips and electrical outlets within residential facilities may not be used to charge batteries for e-bikes, e-scooters or similar devices.

Safety Requirements

  1. Users are responsible for maintaining their devices in safe operating condition.
  2. Damaged, modified, recalled or malfunctioning batteries and devices are prohibited on College property.
  3. Any battery showing signs of overheating, swelling, leaking, smoking or other damage must be reported immediately to Campus Safety.

College Rights and Enforcement

The College reserves the right to remove or relocate improperly stored e-bikes, e-scooters, or batteries when necessary to address safety concerns or policy violations.

Devices or batteries found in violation of this policy may be confiscated pending student conduct review.

Individuals who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action under applicable College policies and procedures.

The College is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to devices stored at outdoor bicycle racks or designated storage areas.

Exceptions

Requests for reasonable accommodations related to disabilities should be directed to the Office of Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS). Approved accommodations may require alternative storage or charging arrangements consistent with applicable law and safety requirements.