The University of Miami (UM) is tightening restrictions on electric scooters, e-bikes and other personal mobility devices, citing safety hazards and the growing threat of battery fires.
Effective 19 August, students and staff will no longer be allowed to ride or park personal electric vehicles such as scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards on sidewalks, breezeways, the Foote Green or other pedestrian-heavy areas of the Coral Gables campus.
The new rules, announced by the university’s Parking and Transportation Department, are part of a broader push for “safer, smarter mobility,” according to UM officials.
In a statement, the department shared: “We’ve seen a growing number of incidents involving pedestrian collisions, blocked emergency routes, and battery fires.
“This policy is about protecting the safety and well-being of our community.”
According to the University, the crackdown also comes amid growing concerns about distracted riders; students are often seen whisking around campus on scooters with earbuds in and eyes glued to their phones, posing risks to both themselves and others on foot.
Under the new guidelines all micromobility devices must be parked only at designated outdoor racks Indoor storage or charging is strictly prohibited Devices must be registered with the University of Miami Police Department.
Violators could face fines, impoundment or other disciplinary action UM’s crackdown mirrors a growing national trend as colleges manage the risks of lithium-ion batteries and the growth of personal electric vehicles on campus.
The university already bans shared scooter services like Bird and Lime, with no plans to revisit the policy.
The University of Miami is tightening restrictions on electric scooters, e-bikes and other personal mobility devices, citing safety hazards and the growing threat of battery fires.
