Electric Scooters & Other Motorized Transportation Devices Policy
This policy covers where you can ride, parking, manual mode usage, and more.
With the safety of the greater WashU community in mind, electronic scooters, motorized skateboards, hoverboards and other motorized transportation devices are not permitted on Danforth Campus sidewalks or pathways, including Wrighton Way and Hoyt Drive.
The policy is in alignment with many universities and municipalities, including the City of St. Louis, which bans the use of electric scooters on sidewalks, among other regulations, at the risk of a $500 fine. It is also based on a WashU review that found increased evidence of the dangers operating motorized devices like electric scooters according to data from the WashU Police Department and the Washington University Medical Center, among other sources. Learn more about the ordinance.
Policy Overview: Where You Can Ride
Electric scooters and other motorized transportation devices are not allowed on Danforth Campus sidewalks or pathways but can be operated in the following areas: Wallace, Shepley, Snow Way and Throop Drives. Motorized devices – excluding electric wheelchairs and similar devices – are not allowed in any other campus locations unless riders are using a manual mode (kick/push scooter style without the use of a motor).
Parking a Motorized Transportation Device
Electric scooters need to be parked upright at or near a bike rack, out of the way of pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Rented scooters, like those from Bird and Spin, need to be parked in a designated parking location indicated in the scooter operator’s app or WashU’s scooter app or users may be subject to additional charges.
All other smaller motorized transportation devices, including hoverboards and electric skateboards, also need to be parked in a manner that also does not pose any tripping hazards. This includes keeping sidewalks, pathways, ramps, stairs, accessible entrances clear. View parking locations on the Interactive Scooter Campus Map.
Rules & Regulations
Please always follow the rules and regulations on public streets, walkways and campus property, where permitted.
- Always wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
- Follow all the traffic rules applicable to a driver of a motor vehicle, including traffic lights, signs and ride with the direction of traffic.
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian or cyclist.
- Do not use earbuds or headphones on/in both ears.
- Individuals cannot ride at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions.
- A device cannot be operated with more than one person on it.
- When riding on a street in the dark or dusk, an electric scooter must have a visible front-facing white light, rear-facing red reflector or red light, and reflective material and/or lights on each side.
- Please be aware of your surroundings. Uneven pavement, potholes and unexpected items can cause you to lose control of the device and it may be harder for vehicles to see you.
Impoundment
Any unattended device that presents a safety hazard or impedes pedestrian traffic will be impounded immediately without notice. WashU is not responsible for potential damage that could occur during impoundment and has no responsibility or liability to replace or make compensation for such items.
Registration
WashU strongly encourages you to register any motorized devices you plan to ride on campus. Not only is it a theft deterrent, it will help us better assist in the recovery of lost or stolen property, contact owners of impounded devices, and better manage our facilities. To register your device for free, visit project529.com/washu.
Charging a Device
Due to fire and electrical safety hazards, motorized transportation devices cannot be charged on university property, including academic buildings and residence halls, unless charging areas have been approved in writing by Facilities, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), and the Insurance Office.
Violations of University Policy
Disciplinary actions for violations will be tailored to each constituency within the university and be based on the severity and frequency of the violation(s). Parking & Transportation will refer non-compliant university-affiliated individuals to the appropriate office for follow-up, which can result in disciplinary action.
- Managers will be notified of any faculty or staff who refuse to comply with our policies.
- Students will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Please refer to section III of the Student Conduct Code for potential offenses and section VI for potential disciplinary actions.
- Contractors, consultants and vendors will be referred to the appropriate contacts within WashU.
- Visitors who refuse to cooperate will be asked to leave our campus.