Electronic Scooters (E-Scooters)

Oct 01, 2019
 

Scope: Who is Covered by this Policy?

All Instructional Staff, Staff, Students and Visitors

Policy

Miami University is committed to creating a sustainable and safe campus. As part of these efforts, Miami University regulates the use of personal transportation devices on University property.

E-scooters may only be ridden in campus bike lanes. E-scooter operators must obey all traffic rules, traffic lights and signs and other rules of the road.

Motorized scooter operators must review and adhere to the following rules and safety tips. For additional information about safety and service offerings, please visit Lime. Operators must follow all of safety rules below.

Safety Rules

  1. Operators must have a valid driver’s license.
  2. E-scooters may only be operated in bike lanes. E- scooters are not permitted  to be operated on any sidewalk on University property at any time with the exception of the bike lane incorporated into the sidewalk along Patterson Avenue.
  3.  Operators must not carry passengers.
  4. Operators must not be under the influence of alcohol when operating an e-scooter.
  5.  Operators must not race e-scooters, other personal transportation devices or vehicles.
  6. Operators may not wear headphones.
  7. E-scooters are banned from all University buildings, parking lots and garages. E-scooters may not be ridden or parked in University parking lots or garages.
  8. E-scooters must be parked at bicycle rack pads if on campus property- VIEW MAP.
  9. E-scooters must never be parked on sidewalks, block pedestrian pathways, building entrances or impede the work of the University (e.g., mowing or snow removal.)
  10. E-scooters are not permitted in residence halls or other University buildings. E-scooters may not be charged in residence halls or on other University property.
  11. E-scooters found in residence halls or left unattended anywhere on University property other than an established bicycle rack pad may be impounded by University Police. 
  12. University employees may not operate e-scooters on University property while on University business and will not be reimbursed for any e-scooter use.
  13. Operators may not transport packages
  14. Pedestrians have the right of way at all times.

Citation and Impoundment

When any e-scooter (excluding handicap e-scooters) is determined to be in violation of this E-Scooter regulations, it is subject to $25.00 citation, impoundment (Impound fee is $75.00), or both, at the owner’s expense. A $5 daily storage fee will accrue until the E-Scooter is retrieved. Miami University is not responsible for damage to E-Scooters. E-scooters will be released to the registered owner or their duly authorized agent only after all the following conditions are met:

  1. All outstanding citations and impoundment fees are paid. 
  2. A picture I.D. is presented. 
  3. Proof of ownership or retrieval authorization is presented.

Appeals of Citations/Impoundment

Appeals should be addressed in writing within 5 calendar days to the Director of Environmental Health and Safety, 164A, Cole Service Building, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056. Appeals must include all pertinent information and supporting documentation needed to allow the Director of Environmental Health and Safety, to make an informed decision. Appeals should contain a complete and full explanation of circumstances or claim.

Individual Responsibility

Individuals will be held personally responsible for any damage caused to University property as a result of the operation of a personal transportation device on University property. Individuals assume the risk of personal injury and death and will be held responsible for any injuries to themselves or others as a result of any violation of this Policy or the improper operation of any personal transportation device on University property.

Safety tips

  • Wear a helmet.
  • Maintain a three-foot minimum distance from pedestrians.
  • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • Watch the road for uneven surfaces and debris.
  • Be wary of puddles and leaves that may hide potholes.
  • Dress to be seen and do not operate at night.
  • Share the Road and never ride against traffic.
  • Eliminate distractions.  Do NOT text while riding!

The recommendations included above are intended to increase safety when riding a motorized scooter but are not intended to be an exhaustive list of safety precautions or to guarantee operator safety. Operators are expected to review and abide by any terms and conditions agreed to in order to ride the motorized scooter. As with any device used for transportation, users operate at their own risk.

Related Form(s)

Not applicable.

Additional Resources and Procedures

Not applicable.

FAQ

Not applicable.

Policy Administration

Next Review Date

7/1/2023

Responsible Officers

  • Miami University Police
  • Sr. Vice President of Finance and Business Services

Legal Reference

Not Applicable.

Compliance Policy

No

Recent Revision History

New October 1, 2019

Reference ID(s)

  • OAC 3339-16-19

Reviewers

  • Miami University Police
  • Sr. Vice President of Finance and Business Services