POLICY – PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICE

Overview

The purpose of this policy is to promote the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors by regulating the use, possession, and storage of personal transportation devices within Central College (“College”) facilities. This policy specifically addresses risks associated with lithium-ion battery-powered devices, including the potential for fire, explosion, and obstruction of emergency egress routes.

Colleges and universities nationwide have identified lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, scooters, and similar devices as presenting a significant life-safety hazard when brought into buildings due to their potential to ignite rapidly and produce toxic gases.

Accordingly, this policy establishes restrictions on the use, storage, and charging of such devices within all College buildings and prohibits the indoor operation of all personal transportation devices to maintain safe and accessible environments.

Definitions

Personal Transportation Device (PTD): Any wheeled device used for individual transportation, including but not limited to:

• Bicycles (manual and electric)
• Scooters (manual and electric)
• Skateboards and electric skateboards
• Hoverboards
• Unicycles and similar devices

Battery-Powered Micromobility Device: Any PTD powered in whole or in part by a rechargeable battery, including lithium-ion batteries (e.g., e-bikes, e-scooters).

Lithium-Ion Battery: A rechargeable battery commonly used in portable electronic and mobility devices that can present fire and explosion hazards if damaged, defective, or improperly charged.

College Buildings: Any structure or indoor space owned, leased, or operated by the College, including but not limited to:

• Academic buildings
• Residence halls
• Administrative offices
• Dining facilities
• Recreational facilities

ADA Mobility Device: A device designed and used to assist individuals with mobility impairments, including wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Responsibilities

Students, Faculty, and Staff: Ensure personal transportation devices are stored only in approved locations and immediately remove prohibited devices from buildings upon request by authorized personnel.

Visitors and Contractors: Adhere to this policy while on College property and follow direction from College officials regarding prohibited devices.

Campus Safety: Enforce this policy; Educate the campus community on associated safety risks; Remove or secure prohibited devices found in violation of this policy.

Policy Details

Prohibition of Indoor Use

The operation, riding, or use of any personal transportation device is strictly prohibited inside all College buildings. This includes bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and similar devices, regardless of whether they are motorized or non-motorized.

Prohibition of Battery-Powered Mobility Devices in Buildings

Battery-powered micromobility devices are not permitted inside College buildings under any circumstances.

This includes:

• E-bikes
• E-scooters
• Hoverboards
• Electric skateboards
• Other battery-powered mobility or personal transportation devices

Such devices may not be brought into, left in, or transported through indoor spaces due to fire safety risks.

Prohibition of Storage and Parking of Non-Motorized Personal Transportation Devices

The storage or parking of personal transportation devices is prohibited in public spaces inside buildings (hallways, classrooms, gathering spaces, etc.) and if non-motorized personal transportation devices are stored inside an office or residence hall room, they must be carried while inside the building.

Devices may not be secured to railings, doorways, or other building features that could obstruct pathways or emergency exits. Outdoor bicycle racks are provided for storage of certain personal transportation devices. The College is not responsible for loss or damage to devices stored in these areas.

Campus Sidewalk Use Restrictions

To promote pedestrian safety and maintain an accessible campus environment, the operation of personal transportation devices on primary pedestrian walkways within the central campus is prohibited. Individuals using such devices in these areas must dismount and walk the device.

The operation of personal transportation devices is permitted on:

• Perimeter sidewalks surrounding the campus
• Public sidewalks adjacent to campus streets
• Roadways and designated bicycle facilities where permitted by law
• Other locations specifically designated by the College for personal transportation device use

Operators of personal transportation devices must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times and must operate devices in a safe and responsible manner.

For purposes of this policy, main campus pedestrian walkways include sidewalks and pathways located within the interior of campus that primarily serve pedestrian traffic between academic buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, recreational facilities, and other campus destinations.

Exceptions

This policy does not apply to:

• ADA-compliant mobility devices used as reasonable accommodations
• College-owned or authorized equipment used for operational purposes

Enforcement

Violations of this policy may result in:

• Immediate removal of the device from the building
• Confiscation by Campus Safety and/or Student Development staff 
• Disciplinary action under applicable College conduct policies

Last Revision Date: 07/22/2026

Policy Owner: Campus Safety