Campus Guidelines for Personal Electric Vehicle Operation
About This Policy
- Effective Date
- 03/21/2023
- Policy Owner
- SDCL - University Police Department
- Responsible Office
- Student Development Campus Life University Police
e-scooters, e-bikes, e-hoverboards, etc.
The popularity of personal electric vehicles such as electric bikes and electric scooters (e-bikes and e-scooters) has taken off over the past few years. With their increase in popularity and usage, there has also been an increase in accidents and injuries to both operators and pedestrians. The University prioritizes the safety of the campus community and is providing guidance for the safe operation, storage, charging and of all personal electric vehicles (e-scooters, e-bikes, e-hoverboards ,etc) while permitting students, faculty and staff to benefit from the ease and convenience these devices provide. This guidance includes laws the State of New Jersey has in place that apply to the operators of motor vehicles, bicycles and personal electric vehicles (e-scooters, e-bikes, e-hoverboards, etc). All motor vehicle laws applicable to motor vehicles and/or e-bicycles/scooters will be enforced as needed for the safety of our community.
These guidelines apply to all students, faculty, staff and visitors who use any type of personal electric vehicles for personal transportation on University property. This policy does not apply to personal electric devices designed for and used to accommodate persons with mobility restrictions. Operators of Personal Electric Vehicles assume all risks associated with their operation on Montclair State University campus.
Operation
- Riding e-bikes and e-scooters (all personal electric vehicles) is prohibited on any Montclair State University sidewalk.
- Operators of e-scooters and e-bikes (all personal electric vehicles) must follow all rules of the road. This includes but is not limited to, stopping at stop signs and stop lights, yielding and following the speed limit and the direction of traffic.
- Operators of e-scooters and e-bikes (all personal electric vehicles) must yield to pedestrians in walkways and sidewalks.
- E-scooters and e-bikes (all personal electric vehicles)are permitted to be ride on designated roadways on campus (see map below).
- Operators of personal electric vehicles should stay to the right on all roadways and pedestrians have the right of way.
Storage and Charging
- Storage of these vehicles inside any Montclair State University owned or operated building or other facility is strictly prohibited due to the risk of fire and/or explosion. This includes stairwells, hallways and common areas.
- Charging of these vehicles inside any Montclair State University owned or operated building or other facility is strictly prohibited due to the risk of fire and/or explosion.
- Bringing an e-scooter or e-bike (all personal electric vehicles) inside any University owned building or facility for any amount of time is strictly prohibited.
- Storage is permitted outside of academic or residential buildings in the designated areas or at one of the University provided racks where they can be secured (see map below).
- Outside storage and/or parking of e-scooters and e-bikes (all personal electric vehicles) is not permitted to impede pedestrian and wheelchair access.
Safety
- Helmets are recommended for all users and required for anyone under 17 years old.
- E-scooters and e-bikes (all personal electric vehicles)should never be used under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.
- E-scooters and e-bikes (all personal electric vehicles)are meant for single riders only.
- E-scooters and e-bikes (all personal electric vehicles) should be operated at a low speed in the presence of pedestrians and pedestrians always have the right of way.
E-bikes or Electronic Bikes
Low-speed electric bicycles (speeds under 20 mph) must follow all the regulations established for traditional bicycles. This means there is no need for a license or registration. Electric bicycles that can achieve speeds between 20 mph and 28 mph now fall under a different classification; these vehicles require a driver’s license and registration from the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.
E-scooters
E-scooters must follow all the laws that apply to bicycles. E-scooters may not exceed speed limits of the University and are not permitted in University parking decks or facilities.
No motorized vehicles, other than those used for documented disabilities are permitted in buildings owned or operated by the University.
This infographic may be helpful and was created by the NJ Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center:
