By SUSAN JONES

As of Aug. 1, Pitt began prohibiting electric scooters from being parked or stored on all University property.

Pennsylvania law already prohibits riding e-scooters, or any other motorized vehicle, on sidewalks, and the city of Pittsburgh does not authorize the use of e-scooters on city streets. Therefore, any use on public property is subject to law enforcement.

The University said in its announcement that “the policy aims to reduce pedestrian and vehicle collision risk, address fire hazards linked to lithium-ion batteries, and keep campus walkways and building entrances clear and accessible.”

A Consumer Product Safety Commission study estimated that 169,300 injuries related to e-scooters were treated in emergency departments from 2017 through 2022. The report also said the emergency department-treated injury estimate for 2022 was 22 percent higher than 2021.

Pitt Student Affairs has long restricted lithium battery-powered mobility devices — including scooters, skateboards and e-bikes — inside residence halls and University buildings. The new policy extends that restriction to all outdoor University property as well.

Electric scooters found parked or stored on University property are subject to impoundment and a fine of $100 for a first offense and $200 for a second offense. Impounded scooters will be held for 90 days by Pitt Mobility; scooters not claimed within that time become University property.

Charging stations at the Public Health (PG) Garage will no longer be usable for e-scooters.

The announcement noted that: “Scooters move faster and less predictably than walking, which raises the risk of hitting pedestrians on crowded sidewalks and walkways — especially on a dense, hilly campus like Pitt's. … Riders often aren't aware they're expected to follow the same basic rules as other vehicles (yielding, stopping at intersections, etc.), and near-misses are common but rarely get formally reported.”

The other concern is that batteries can overheat or ignite if damaged, improperly charged or poorly made, which is why Pitt already bans e-scooters and e-bikes inside any University building, including residence halls, apartments and academic buildings. E-bikes should be parked at an outdoor rack or at a designated charging station.

In Pennsylvania, where the use of e-scooters on public roads and sidewalks is often prohibited, other colleges are initiating policies similar to Pitt’s.

In March, Penn State University officials told students not to bring e-scooters back to campus and banned their use on Penn State property, including buildings, roadways, sidewalks, bike paths and shared pathways. Violation of the policy could result in a $225 motor vehicle fine.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania also implemented a new policy on Aug. 1 that prohibits the use of e-scooters, e-skateboards, hoverboards, Segways, motorized unicycles, or similar transportation devices on IUP property at both the Indiana and Punxsutawney campuses. The devices also are not allowed to be stored or charged on campus property. E-bikes remain permitted on campus roads and designated bike paths provided that riders comply with all applicable traffic laws and regulations.  E-Bikes also can’t be charged on campus and are prohibited inside university buildings. 

Outside of the state, some other schools have gone even further in restricting the use of micromobility devices.

Beginning this fall, Fresno State in California will ban all electric scooters, e-bikes and other motorized personal transportation devices on campus. University officials said the move is aimed at reducing conflicts between riders, pedestrians and vehicles, while improving safety across campus.

On the University of Texas at Austin’s campus this fall, riders of electric bikes, scooters and boards will have to dismount and walk in a large portion of central campus that has been designated a “pedestrian friendly zone.”

Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042.

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