As of August 25, 2023, an updated policy on Personal Electric Vehicles (PEVs) restricts operation of PEVs (electric scooters, electric skateboards, hoverboards, etc.) on most of the Princeton University campus from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. The original policy, adopted in February 2020, remains in effect until August 25, 2023. Updated Policy See Personal Electric Vehicle Policy for the full text of the updated policy, including requirements, prohibitions, and recommendations. Per this policy, Personal Electric Vehicles (electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric bikes operated in assist mode, hoverboards, etc.) are prohibited to be operated within the zone illustrated in Appendix A weekdays (Monday through Friday) between the hours of 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. While not University property, for personal safety, the University strongly discourages the use of Personal Electric Vehicles on roadways such as Alexander Road and Washington Road, as the road conditions and traffic patterns are not compatible with their 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. Frequently Asked Questions - PEVs Where can I find the text of the policy? The policy can be found at Personal Electric Vehicle Policy What are the areas impacted by the policy? The policy applies to all University-owned property within the highlighted zone. Why is the University taking this step now? Concerns about rider and community safety related to the use of Personal Electric Vehicles (PEVs e.g., scooters, bikes, hoverboards and electric skateboards) have led to a series of discussions about how best to regulate their use. The increased volume of PEVs on historically narrow pathways coupled with current conditions of campus pathways due to construction prompted a formal review by the Environmental Safety and Risk Management Committee (ESRM), resulting in an update to the PEV policy. The ESRM has concluded that the University’s current infrastructure cannot safely accommodate the increasing usage of PEVs on campus without applying certain restrictions. How will e-bikes be affected by the updated policy? E-bikes in “electric assist” mode are only permitted on campus roadways such as Elm Drive, Faculty Road, Stadium Drive, Fitzrandolph Road, Broadmead, and Western Way. E-bikes must be operated as traditional bicycles, in manual mode, on pathways and sidewalks. Will traditional (non-powered) bicycles, scooters, and skateboards be affected by the updated policy? No. Traditional bicycles, scooters, and skateboards continue to be permitted for transit. Please see the University Skateboard Policy for information on permissible skateboard use. Why were the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. selected? On-campus studies completed in 2021 and 2023 observed that traffic peaks during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., increasing the risk of injuries and collisions. These hours also coincide with peak construction vehicle movement, which can impact the safety of riders. Identifying this window of peak ridership allows for PEV use during non-peak travel times when safety risks are lower. What other options are available to move around the campus? TigerTransit Transportation and Parking Services (TPS) operates TigerTransit, a free and public shuttle service that operates from 7a.m. to midnight weekdays during the academic year, with on-demand service from midnight to 3 a.m. nightly, including weekends. All weekday TigerTransit routes operate at least every 30 minutes, with multiple routes operating every 10 to15 minutes during peak hours. Passengers may plan trips and track shuttle locations using the TripShot app or the Princeton Wayfinding app. TigerAccess In addition to TigerTransit, TPS also operates TigerAccess, a reservable van service for University community members and guests with temporary or permanent disabilities. TigerAccess operates on weekdays from 7a.m. to 9 p.m. during the academic year. Rental Bikes TPS manages a small fleet of about 120 rental bikes for students at low cost for semester or annual rentals. Students can sign up for a rental bike on the TPS website and will be contacted regarding the status of their rental shortly after the start of the Fall semester.Bikes Traditional (non-electric) bicycles continue to be permitted on campus at all times. Bike racks are located at all University residences and buildings. Campus-wide bicycle parking will be closely monitored by the University to determine if additional bike racks may be required. Is this a step towards a full ban? The University will closely monitor compliance with the timed restriction. Failure to comply with the time restrictions outlined in the policy may result in further restrictions, including a full prohibition of personal electric vehicles on campus. The University will continuously assess and plan for improvements to mobility corridors on campus, and will continue to revisit campus mobility safety as we evaluate if and when we can safely reintroduce powered micro-mobility devices. How will the policy be enforced? The University will closely monitor compliance with the timed restriction. Non-compliant PEVs will be impounded. Repeat offenders may be reported to the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, the Graduate School, Human Resources, Dean of the Faculty, or other appropriate entities for additional disciplinary actions. When will the updated policy take effect? The policy takes effect August 25, 2023. Who is responsible for the policy? The Environmental Safety and Risk Management Committee (ESRM). ESRM reviews environmental health and safety issues as well as visitor and contractor safety, pollution prevention, building security systems, fleet safety, University-sponsored off-campus programs, special events, and athletic events. ESRM is responsible for developing policy and procedures to improve oversight of these areas from a safety and risk management perspective. It is also responsible for establishing written institutional policies and guidelines, determining acceptable levels of risk for the institution, approving and endorsing training and audit procedures to ensure compliance with policies, and providing guidance to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, the Department of Risk Management, the Department of Public Safety, and individual academic and administrative departments. What if I can’t get to class/practice/activities on time? The University will be publishing revised pedestrian and bike corridor maps in advance of the start of the fall semester with signage located throughout campus to assist with wayfinding. Traditional (non-electric) bicycles will continue to be permitted on campus and bike racks are located at all University residences and buildings. In addition to existing racks, the University will closely monitor bicycle parking on campus and will deploy temporary racks at locations that experience high volumes of bike parking at peak periods as may be required. Are changes to passing time being considered? The Committee on Classrooms and Schedule is exploring the expansion of passing time to 15 or 20 minutes. Any anticipated change is not expected during the 2023-24 academic year. What is being done to improve mobility on campus for the upcoming academic year? In addition to improved wayfinding and signage to help the community navigate around construction activities, the University is restricting all non-essential motor vehicles from operating on core campus. To sign up to receive updates about campus construction, text “UPDATES” to 67283. How will you “continually assess” campus conditions to determine when and where we can safely permit scooters? The University has and continues to develop plans for improvements to campus pathways and is working with municipalities to improve pedestrian safety on public roads that traverse our campus. As construction projects complete and additional pathways open, we will consider whether the infrastructure provides enough routes to accommodate riders and walkers. What if I need assistance for a mobility-related disability? 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. Students who may need mobility assistance should contact the Office of Disability Services for assistance. Faculty and Staff who may need mobility assistance should contact the Office of Human Resources for assistance. Where can I find information about the Municipality of Princeton’s bike and scooter requirements? You can find the Municipality of Princeton’s requirements for wheeled devices in Chapter B8 of the Borough Code. Resources PEV Policy