The following message is from the Office of Emergency Management and Safety:
UMW Campus Community,
This fall, we have seen an increased use in electric scooters on campus. While we recognize the convenience of scooters as a mode of transportation, their use must follow Virginia law, local ordinances, and general use guidelines.
Electric scooters are not allowed indoors and may not be charged in UMW buildings.
This prohibition of scooter use and storage indoors extends from existing policy that restricts scooters from our residence halls. Motorized, gas-powered or electric-powered vehicles, including mopeds and hoverboards, are also prohibited items. Lithium-powered transportation devices are not permitted in buildings per our state fire and safety codes.
We will review policy related to these devices this fall and work with the Student Government Association on further delineating appropriate scooter use on campus with pedestrian safety in mind.
Safety Concerns
The lithium-ion batteries used in electric scooters and other devices may pose a safety risk. They do not go through UL testing to ensure safety and performance standards. If the batteries are not used as directed or are defective, they can overheat, catch fire, or explode.
As with bicycles, helmets are recommended when riding an electric scooter. Additional bicycle and pedestrian safety rules may apply and can be reviewed on the Virginia Department of Transportation website.
Traffic Considerations
Scooter operators should obey traffic laws and signs and yield to pedestrians. Sidewalks and Campus Walk are primarily for pedestrians. If you ride a scooter, please dismount and walk through high-traffic areas, such as the covered walkway at Woodard Hall and Simpson Library where space is limited, or choose another route.
Traffic laws must be followed when operating an electric scooter, including Fredericksburg code pertaining to downtown streets and Virginia law for electric personal assistive mobility devices, electrically powered toy vehicles, electric power-assisted bicycles, and motorized skateboards or scooters.
Parking and Charging
Electric scooters may not be brought into UMW buildings to charge due to the high-risk of the lithium-ion batteries. Electric scooters must be parked and secured outside of buildings, at bike racks or other appropriate structures, and not impede ingress or egress to campus buildings.
We appreciate your attentiveness to these updates on electric scooter safety on campus. Should you have questions or additional concerns, please contact studentaffairs@umw.edu.
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