Battery-Powered Micromobility Devices Policy

Document Number:

EHS-0013

Policy Owner:

Environmental Health & Safety

Revision #:

v2.0

Status:

Approved

General Description

Policy Summary:

This policy establishes the requirements for the safe operation, parking, storage, charging, and management of battery-powered micromobility devices on Trinity University property. It promotes a safe, accessible, and pedestrian-oriented campus by reducing fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, protecting campus facilities, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and University regulations.

Purpose:

The University is committed to providing a safe, accessible, and pedestrian-oriented campus environment. Micromobility devices provide convenient and sustainable transportation; however, their operation must be balanced with the safety of pedestrians, preservation of campus facilities, and compliance with applicable laws and University regulations. This policy establishes requirements for the safe operation, parking, storage, and management of micromobility devices on Trinity University property to reduce fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, support pedestrian safety, and protect the campus community.

Scope:

Students residing in University-owned housing or residential facilities are prohibited from bringing micromobility devices onto campus. Therefore, this policy only applies to Trinity University faculty, staff, off-campus students, contractors, vendors, and visitors.

Exceptions:

This policy does not apply to:

Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities, including other power-driven mobility devices permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other applicable law. The University will provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable law through its established accessibility processes. Students seeking accommodations should work with the Office of Student Accessibility Services. Faculty, staff, and members of the public should work with the Office of Human Resources.
Golf carts and utility vehicles owned, leased, or authorized by the University, which are governed by the Unviersity's Golf Cart Policy.
Hoverboards, which are prohibited on University property. The operations, possession, storage, or charging of hoverboards is not permitted.

Responsible Department:

Environmental Health & Safety

Policy Content

Students residing in University housing (including City Vista) are prohibited from bringing, storing, parking, or charging micromobility devices on campus.

Users of micromobility devices are responsible for operating devices in a safe and courteous manner at all times. All riders shall:

Travel at a safe speed appropriate for surrounding conditions.
Yield to pedestrians without exception
Maintain control of the device at all times
Avoid distracting behaviors while riding
Follow posted signage and operational restrictions
Dismount and walk devices in designated Pedestrian Priority Zones (PPZs)
Use front and rear lights if operating after dark
Avoid reckless operation or behavior that endangers others or damages property

Unless specifically authorized, devices may not be operated:

Inside buildings
On stairways
On landscaping or through planted areas
On athletic fields
In construction zones
In areas closed by temporary barriers or signage

Students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors who bring micromobility devices to campus must park and secure devices only at designated outdoor bike racks or approved exterior parking locations. Abandoned or improperly parked devices may be removed by the University. Micromobility devices may not be:

Parked or stored inside University buildings
Parked in a manner that creates safety hazards or obstructs pedestrian movement
Attached to handrails, trees, benches, signs, fences, or unauthorized structures

Charging of micromobility devices is prohibited on University property.

Damaged, modified, or uncertified micromobility devices are prohibited on University property. Owners are responsible for:

Monitoring manufacturer recalls
Maintaining safe operating condition of devices
Ensuring lithium-ion powered devices utilize manufacturer-approved batteries

Trinity University may restrict or prohibit devices subject to manufacturer recalls or identified safety concerns.

Lithium-ion batteries may cause fires. These fires are chemical reactions that, once underway, cannot be extinguished like traditional fires and create toxic gases that can be deadly in enclosed spaces. Most traditional fire extinguishers do not work on lithium-ion battery fires.

In the event of a battery fire, smoke condition, overheating event, or damaged battery:
- Evacuate the area immediately
- Contact TUPD at 210-999-7000
- Do not attempt to move a smoking or damaged device

Only trained personnel may attempt suppression of lithium-ion battery fires. TUPD will coordinate emergency planning and response procedures with the San Antonio Fire Department as appropriate.

Registration of micromobility devices with TUPD is required to prevent theft, identify ownership, and assist with the recovery of stolen devices.

Users must immediately report all collisions (with pedestrians, vehicles or other micromobility devices) or single device accidents with injuries to TUPD. All involved individuals should remain at the area of the collision/accident until authorized to leave by TUPD.

Performance Evaluation

Consequences of Policy Violation:

Violations of this policy may result in one or more of the following:

Removal or impoundment of devices
Loss of operating privileges
Corrective or disciplinary action
Additional action as deemed appropriate by the University

Terms & Definitions

Terms and Definitions:

Term:	Definition:
Micromobility Device	Any small battery-powered transportation device, including electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters, electric skateboards, self-balancing scooters, and other lightweight wheeled conveyances primarily used for short-distance personal transit.
Pedestrian Priority Zone (PPZ)	A designated campus area where pedestrian movement takes priority and vehicle access is restricted.
University Property	All campus roads, driveways, bike paths, pedestrian walkways, parking facilities, building interiors, and other grounds owned or controlled by Trinity University.
Dismount	The action required for a Rider to become a Pedestrian. A dismounted Rider is one who is afoot and accompanied by a wheeled transportation device which is being pushed, pulled, or carried.

Revision Management

Revision History Log:

Revision #:	Date:	Recorded By:
v2.0	11/11/2025 8:45 AM	Pamela Mota
v1.1	7/2/2025 1:58 PM	Pamela Mota
v1.0	7/31/2019 4:42 PM	Jennifer Gilmore Adamo

Vice President Approval:

Name:	Title:
Mark Detterick	Vice President for Finance and Administration