POL - 40.13.5 Residential Life Electric Mobility Device and Motorized Equipment Policy
1. Purpose
1.1 To promote a safe residential environment and reduce the risk of fire hazards, injury, and property damage associated with lithium-ion battery–powered and motorized transportation devices within university housing facilities.
1.2 Lithium-ion batteries used in many electric mobility devices present significant fire risks, including overheating, explosion, and rapid-fire spread. These fires are difficult to extinguish and pose serious danger in residential communities.
2. Scope
2.1 This policy applies to all students and occupants residing in university-owned or operated residential facilities, including:
2.1.1 Traditional residence halls
2.1.2 Suite-style housing
2.1.3 Apartment-style university housing
2.1.4 Common areas and shared spaces
2.2 Self-propelled wheelchairs or an electric mobility device, specifically designed for and used by an individual with a mobility-related disability, are exempt. ADA mobility devices are exempt from this policy.
3. Prohibited Devices
3.1 The following devices are not permitted inside any residence hall or university apartment facility, including student rooms, suites, apartments, storage rooms, lounges, hallways, stairwells, or any interior space:
3.1.1 Electric scooters (e-scooters)
3.1.2 Hoverboards
3.1.3 Electric skateboards/longboards
3.1.4 Electric bicycles (e-bikes)
3.1.5 Self-balancing boards
3.1.6 Motorized unicycles
3.1.7 Gas-powered scooters or bikes
3.1.8 Any device powered by a lithium-ion battery designed for personal transportation
3.1.9 Any motorized recreational vehicle or transportation device
3.1.10 ADA mobility devices are exempt from this policy. The devices have a fire life safety plan with each charging device.
4. Use & Storage Restrictions
4.1 Devices may not be ridden inside any residence hall or apartment building.
4.2 Devices may not be stored anywhere inside residential facilities, including, but not limited to:
4.3 Individual rooms
4.3.1 Bedrooms
4.3.2 Living areas
4.3.3 Closets
4.3.4 Balconies
4.3.5 Common areas
4.3.6 Devices may not be charged inside residential buildings or on exterior outlets on buildings.
4.3.7 Devices may not block entrances, exits, hallways, ramps, or stairwells if stored outside.
4.3.8 Outdoor storage must comply with university bicycle parking guidelines and local fire code regulations.
5. Fire & Safety Rationale
5.1 Lithium-ion battery fires:
5.1.1 Can ignite without warning
5.1.2 Burn at extremely high temperatures
5.1.3 Spread rapidly
5.1.4 Produce toxic smoke
5.1.5 Are difficult for standard fire extinguishers to suppress
5.2 Due to these documented risks and guidance from fire safety authorities and peer institutions, electric mobility devices are not permitted within residential facilities.
6. Enforcement & Violations
6.1 Violations of this policy may result in:
6.1.1 Immediate removal of the device from the building
6.1.2 Confiscation
6.1.3 Student conduct action
6.1.4 Fines or damage billing
6.1.5 Possible termination of housing contract
6.2 The University reserves the right to inspect residential spaces when policy violations are suspected; confirmed violations may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to confiscation of prohibited items, fines, and/or loss of housing privileges.
7. Policy Review
7.1 This policy is reviewed annually and may be updated to reflect fire code changes, safety standards, or evolving guidance related to lithium-ion battery safety.