Policy 1037 - Motorized, E-Mobility, and Manual Devices and Equipment on University Campuses

Section: Operating/Administrative
Policy Number: 1037
Responsible Office: Public Safety
Effective Date: 11/22/22

Scope

This policy applies to all persons on St. John’s University property, including University community members, visitors, and guests to campus.

Policy

Due to fire hazards and other safety concerns associated with the use, storage and charging of standing, motorized scooters (e-scooters), bicycles with electric assist (e-bikes), hoverboards, segways, and similar powered devices, the St. John’s University has imposed prohibitions and restrictions on their use and operation on campus.

University policy prohibits the use and/or storage of motorized standing scooters, hoverboards, electric bicycles, segways, and similar devices inside all campus buildings. Charging of large lithium cell batteries is also prohibited inside all University properties. Approval for storage/ charging devices inside University property may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Fire Safety Director in the Department of Public Safety.

Users should take appropriate steps to ensure their personal safety and that of the University community when operating any mobility device in authorized areas on campus. As the landscape of micromobility devices continues to change and improvements in equipment and operational safety are made, the University may adapt its policy.

E-Mobility Devices

The following rules and restrictions apply to motorized standing scooters, hover boards, electric bicycles, Segways and similar powered devices:

  • Operation is prohibited in front of the D’Angelo Center, commonly known as the D’Angelo Center Plaza.
  • These devices are not permitted on sidewalks, and they must not be left in a location that obstructs building entrances/exits or pedestrian traffic.
  • It is prohibited to operate or transport these devices inside of campus buildings. Devices must remain outdoors at all times and should be parked and secured at any of the bicycle racks located on campus.
  • Operators of such devices must behave responsibly and operate safely, keeping personal and community safety in mind. This includes operating devices within reasonable speeds that minimize or eliminate potential hazards with other vehicles and pedestrian traffic. Extra caution should be used at intersections and crossings. The use of helmets and other safety equipment is recommended and strongly encouraged.
  • Operators should take care to avoid damage to campus and public facilities, properties,
    and infrastructure. Devices should be walked around gate arms to avoid damaging the gate arms.
  • The safe operation, storage and charging of such devices are the sole responsibility of the owner and/or operator. Damage to property, including, but not limited to, University gate arms, is the responsibility of the owner/ operator of the device.

Manual Devices

Members of the University Community who use bicycles, skateboards and other devices for personal mobility must behave responsibly with their own safety and the safety of the community in mind. This includes operating within reasonable speeds that minimize or eliminate potential hazards with other vehicles and pedestrian traffic. Extra caution should be used at intersections and crossings. The use of helmets and other safety equipment is recommended and strongly encouraged.

  • The use and storage of bicycles are prohibited inside all campus buildings.
  • Bicycles may be secured at any of the bicycle racks located throughout campus.
  • Resident students assigned to the Henley Road resident hall may store a bicycle at the bicycle rack located in the basement of the building.
  • The safe operation of bicycles and skateboards is the sole responsibility of the owner and/or operator. Damage to property including, but not limited to, University gate arms is the responsibility of the owner/ operator of the device.

St. John’s University, New York
Human Resources Policy Manual