I. Policy Statement

It is in the best interest of community safety that the University ensures that electronic transportation devices used and stored on campus are held to applicable safety standards.
Please note that this policy could be modified as new information is released by the CPSC and/or the NFPA and with increased safety standards of these types of devices.

II. Who Is Affected By This Policy

All members of the University community, including students, staff, faculty and visitors.

III. Definitions

Electronic Transportation Devices – self-balancing, personal electronic transportation devices ("hoverboards"), electric scooters, electric skateboards, and other battery-operated devices used for recreation and transportation. Does not include battery-powered devices used for functional and access needs.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – A U.S. government agency that protects the American public from products that may create a potential hazard to safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission focuses on consumer products that pose an unreasonable risk of fire, chemical exposure, electrical malfunction, or mechanical failure.
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).
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) –NFPA is a global, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.

IV. Policy

To minimize the risk of personal injury and property damage, electronic transportation devices are prohibited from use, possession, charging and/or storage on campus unless they bear the seal of an independent testing laboratory accredited by the CPSC. This includes any property owned, leased or controlled by the University.

V. Procedures

This policy will be posted on the Office of Environmental Health and Safety website, the Housing and Real Estate Services website and the Office of the University Fire Marshal (Department of Public Safety) website. Members of the campus community may be informed of the policy by referring to these websites.

University Housing inspectors may fine residents and confiscate devices that do not meet the criteria of this policy if discovered during dormitory inspections.

Supervisors and department managers may enforce this policy in administrative and academic buildings.

Promulgated April 2016; Updated October 2019 by Environmental Safety and Risk Management Committee

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