E-Scooter Safety

E-scooters (including electronic bicycles, electronic skateboards, and hover boards) are a new, environmentally friendly, and convenient way to get around campus. However, failure to abide by safe operating, charging, and parking guidelines poses the risk of serious injury. You may potentially hurt yourself or others, or cause damage to property.

Rider Safety

Do not ride an e-scooter or similar device if you have heart conditions, head, back, or neck ailments, or are pregnant. Do not ride while sick or impaired. Do not exceed the device's weight limit. Do not carry passengers.

Before use, check your scooter's safety features. Confirm that guards and covers are in place and in good condition. Check the function of the brake. Look at the wheels and make sure they are unworn. Complete regular maintenance as advised by the manufacturer.

While riding the device, avoid going too fast for the conditions. Remain on dry, flat surfaces free of debris like sand, leaves, rocks, or gravel. Avoid wet or uneven areas. Avoid mud, ice, puddles, or water. Keep both hands on the handlebars. Do not ride at night or in poor visibility conditions.

Keep clear of the motor while it is running. The motor and brake become very hot when in use and after riding.

Wear a properly strapped helmet while riding. Elbow pads and knee pads are highly recommended. A long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and gloves are recommended. Wear laced athletic shoes with rubber soles. Do not ride barefooted or in sandals.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

E-scooters  are not allowed in buildings on any USF campus because they create fire and accessibility hazards. Devices found in buildings or improperly parked outside will be removed and owners may be referred for disciplinary action.

Secure e-scooters outside at a bicycle rack or in a designated corral, clear of pedestrian pathways.

Per USF Regulation 4.0011, drivers of e-scooters are responsible for observing the same traffic regulations as those governing vehicles.

Ride in bicycle lanes or in the street (if the speed limit is under 30mph) with the flow of traffic and be respectful of others sharing the road.  Only cross at crosswalks. Slow down or walk e-scooters when pathways are congested.

E-scooters must yield the right of way to pedestrians and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing pedestrians.

Fire Hazards

Fires from lithium-ion batteries are very hot and difficult to put out.

The lithium-ion batteries that power electronic micromobility devices can overheat, catch fire, or explode when damaged. Signs that a battery is damaged include an odor or change of color.

Only use the charger that came with the device and unplug when charged.

Accessibility Hazards

E-scooters stored inside in hallways or in other paths of egress can block people from exiting the building quickly in case of a fire or other emergency.

E-scooters not secured at bicycle racks or designated areas outside may block people and vehicles from using streets, sidewalks, or building entrances.