Responsible Executive: Executive Vice President Responsible Offices: Office of Parking and Transportation Services, Office of Environmental Health & Safety Contacts: Please direct questions concerning this policy to Kelly States, Director for Campus Safety & Health, Environmental Health & Safety Effective Date: January 25, 2024 I. Policy Statement Personal electric vehicles, electric scooters, and other electric micro-mobility devices, such as hoverboards and electric and motorized skateboards, are prohibited to be used, stored, parked, or charged within the zone indicated in Appendix A. Electric bicycles in “assist” mode, provided that users follow all applicable traffic regulations and requirements in Appendix B, are permitted on campus roadways but not pathways and sidewalks. This policy does not apply to electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other electric mobility devices specifically designed for and used by an individual with a mobility-related disability. All bicycles, powered and manual, must be registered with Transportation and Parking Services (TPS) and must display a registration sticker. II. Who Is Affected By This Policy This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. III. Definitions Personal Electric Vehicles – Electric or motorized scooters[1], electric or motorized skateboards, hoverboards, electric unicycles, and other motorized micro-mobility vehicles[2]. This policy does not apply to electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other electric mobility devices specifically designed for and used by an individual with a mobility-related disability. Electric Bicycle - is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – A U.S. government agency that protects the American public from consumer products that create a potential hazard to safety, through education, safety standards, regulation, and enforcement. Independent Testing Laboratory – A third-party, nationally-recognized laboratory accredited by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which sets technical standards for product design and construction. Examples of independent testing laboratories are UL (formerly Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.) and ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials). Sample labels: IV. Policy Personal electric vehicles, such as scooters, hoverboards, and electric and motorized skateboards, are prohibited to be operated, stored, parked, or charged within the zone indicated in Appendix A Electric bicycles in “assist” mode, provided that users follow all applicable traffic regulations and requirements as outlined in Appendix B, are permitted on campus roadways, but not sidewalks and pathways. Traditional (manual) bicycles, scooters and skateboards are permitted for transit. Please see the University Skateboard Policy for information on permissible skateboard use. This policy does not apply to electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other electric mobility devices specifically designed for and used by an individual with a mobility-related disability. V. Policy Enforcement A. Impoundment Any prohibited Personal Electric Vehicles found unattended will be impounded. Princeton University is not responsible for damage to a Personal Electric Vehicle that occurs during impoundment and has no responsibility or liability to replace or make compensation for such vehicles. Impounded Personal Electric Vehicles must be collected by the owner and removed from campus at the end of the semester in which it was impounded. B. Students found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to (i) discipline in accordance with Rights, Rules, Responsibilities; (ii) penalties imposed by the University pursuant to its policies; and/or (iii) civil or criminal penalties. C. Faculty and Staff found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to (i) discipline in accordance with Rights, Rules, Responsibilities and other applicable policies; (ii) penalties imposed by the University pursuant to its policies; and/or (iii) civil or criminal penalties. D. Campus visitors found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to (i) discipline in accordance with Rights, Rules, Responsibilities and other applicable policies; (ii) penalties imposed by the University pursuant to its policies; and/or (iii) civil or criminal penalties. VI. Additional Restrictions The University reserves the right to further limit or prohibit the use of Personal Electric Vehicles or electric bicycles in order to preserve the safety of the University community. VII. Reassessment This policy will be reassessed at least annually. [1] Under New Jersey law (N.J. Stat.§39:4-14.16), a low-speed electric scooter “means a scooter with a floorboard that can be stood upon by the operator, with handlebars, and an electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion at a maximum speed of less than 19 miles per hour.” [2] Under New Jersey law (N.J. Stat.§39:4-14.16), a motorized scooter “means a miniature motor vehicle and includes, but is not limited to, pocket bikes, super pocket bikes, scooters, mini-scooters, sports scooters, mini choppers, mini motorcycles, motorized skateboards, and other vehicles with motors that are not manufactured in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and which have no permanent Federal Safety Certification stickers affixed to the vehicle by the original manufacturer.” Appendix A Appendix B: Requirements and Prohibitions for Electric Bicycle (e-bikes) Use on Campus Use of e-bikes is permitted on the Princeton Campus subject to NJ laws and the following: Requirements A. E-bikes used by faculty, staff, and students must be registered with Transportation and Parking Services (TPS) and must have a registration label affixed to the vehicle. Vehicles that do not bear registration labels may be ticketed or impounded. B. E-bikes in “assist mode” may only be operated on University roadways. Riders must dismount and walk bikes on sidewalks and pedestrian pathways. C. E-bike users must be sixteen (16) years of age or older. D. E-bike users of all ages are required to wear a helmet when riding in accordance with New Jersey law. E. E-bike users must obey traffic and bike rules on campus, including stopping at stop lights and stop signs. F. Consistent with NJ law, operators must dismount e-bikes at crosswalks in order to be afforded pedestrian rights. G. E-bike users must stay to the right on all roadways. H. A front-facing white light and a rear-facing red light are required for operation in low-light conditions. These lights may be affixed to the vehicle or worn by the rider. I. E-bike users shall be mindful of their safety, the safety of others, and shall be alert to pedestrians and other vehicles. Prohibitions A. E-bikes may not be brought inside any University building. B. E-bike users shall not operate the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substances. C. Tandem riding is prohibited. D. E-bike users may not use cell phones, headphones, or earbuds when operating the vehicle. Fire Safety Requirements A. E-bikes must bear the seal of an independent testing laboratory accredited by the CPSC. B. E-bikes may not be brought inside any University building. Parking Requirements A. E-bikes shall not be parked in the following areas on the Princeton Campus: inside any University building or athletics facility (academic, administrative, residential) on a sidewalk on turf or flowerbeds or tied to trees in a street at the top or bottom of any stairs or steps in any manner that blocks access to entrances or exits to buildings in any manner than would impede accessible entries adjacent to or affixed to structures, architectural elements, or artwork including, but not limited to, handrails, fences, benches, light poles, sign poles, sculptures, etc. Electric Charging Restrictions A. Batteries must be separated from the bicycle in order to charge in University buildings. E-bikes may not be brought indoors for charging purposes. B. The use of extension cords for charging e-bikes is prohibited. Safety and Security Recommendations A. Speed of e-bikes should be limited to ten (10) miles per hour or as reasonable for the traffic of both pedestrians and vehicles, whichever is less. B. When not in use, e-bikes should be locked to a bike rack, when possible, using a U-type lock. Resources PEV Policy FAQsRestricted Area Map
