University of Maryland students living on campus will face new restrictions this fall as personal electric scooters are banned from residence halls and other university-owned properties. The Department of Transportation Services announced this decision to enhance safety measures and prevent potential fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries in micromobility vehicles.
Starting August 1, resident students will no longer be able to register their electric scooters with DOTS, and unregistered vehicles may face penalties. The aim is to ensure the safety of students and minimize fire risks, following incidents of micromobility vehicles catching fire on campus in the past.
DOTS emphasized that these changes are part of efforts to promote safe riding practices and better integrate electric scooters into the campus transportation system. In addition to the ban on personal scooters, a new annual registration fee of $35 will be imposed on electric micromobility vehicles, with the proceeds allocated to improving road safety on campus.
Furthermore, the department revealed plans to introduce a larger fleet of Veo scooters this fall, equipped with advanced features such as brake lights, helmet detection, and a quiz for intoxicated riders. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the overall safety and user experience of micromobility services on campus.
University of Maryland Police will step up enforcement of traffic laws related to micromobility vehicles to ensure compliance and enhance overall safety for riders and pedestrians. The university has formed a micromobility workgroup comprising staff, students, and university leaders to develop recommendations for these changes.
While the university did not provide immediate comments on these developments, the focus remains on creating a safer and more sustainable transportation environment within the campus community.
It is essential for educational institutions to adapt to the evolving trends in transportation, particularly with the increasing popularity of electric scooters and other micromobility options among students. By implementing these measures, the University of Maryland aims to strike a balance between convenience and safety in its transportation policies.
As electric scooters become more prevalent in urban environments and college campuses, ensuring their safe usage and integration into existing transportation systems is crucial. The decision to ban personal scooters on campus reflects a proactive approach to addressing potential safety concerns and promoting responsible micromobility practices among students.
By prioritizing safety and sustainability in campus transportation, universities like UMD are setting a precedent for other institutions to follow suit in managing the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of electric scooters and similar modes of transportation.
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