Micromobility & Personal Mobility Device Policy

I. Scope

This policy applies to all William & Mary students, faculty, staff, contractors, vendors, guests, and visitors operating or storing personal mobility devices on university-owned or controlled property.

This policy applies on all university-owned or controlled property, including:

• Campus roads and parking facilities;
• Sidewalks, walkways, shared-use paths, and trails;
• Residence halls and university housing;
• University buildings and structures; and
• Outdoor university property and common areas.

A. Exceptions

Wheelchairs and other powered mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities are exempt from this policy, including any requirements under Section V, as protected under applicable federal and state law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Questions regarding accommodations should be directed to Student Accessibility Services or Human Resources.

II. Purpose & Policy Statement

William & Mary recognizes that bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, and other personal mobility devices provide convenient and sustainable transportation options that support campus mobility and environmental goals. At the same time, these devices present safety, operational, accessibility, and fire risks, particularly those associated with lithium-ion batteries.

These procedures establish requirements for the operation, storage, registration, charging, and enforcement of personal mobility devices on university-owned or controlled property in order to:

• Promote pedestrian and rider safety;
• Reduce fire and life-safety hazards;
• Protect campus infrastructure and accessibility routes;
• Support responsible and sustainable transportation practices; and
• Ensure compliance with applicable Virginia law and university regulations.

III. Definitions

Personal Mobility Device (PMD) / Micromobility Device (MMD) means any human-powered or electric-powered transportation device designed for individual use, including but not limited to bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, and unicycles.

Electric Bicycle (E-Bike) means a bicycle equipped with operable pedals and an electric motor that provides assistance to the rider, consistent with Virginia Code § 46.2‑904.1.

• Class 1 E-Bike means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
• Class 2 E-Bike means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance above 20 mph.
• Class 3 E-Bike means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.

Electric Scooter (E-Scooter) means a device with handlebars and a floorboard designed to be stood upon while powered by an electric motor and rechargeable battery.  Defined under Virginia Code § 46.2‑908.1 as a motorized skateboard or scooter generally limited to 20 mph and treated similarly to bicycles for roadway rules.

Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) means an independent safety certification organization recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), including but not limited to UL Solutions, SGS, Intertek/ETL, and TÜV.

University Property means any building, structure, roadway, sidewalk, trail, parking area, landscape, or outdoor space owned, leased, or controlled by the university.

Lithium-Ion Battery means a rechargeable battery chemistry commonly used in electric mobility devices and capable of thermal runaway if damaged, improperly charged, defective, or improperly stored.

IV. Policy

A. Permitted Devices

The following devices are permitted on university property, subject to the procedures under Section V of this policy:

Traditional bicycles;
Class 1 electric bicycles;
Class 2 electric bicycles;
Non-electric scooters and skateboards; and
Registered and Certified Electric Scooters

B. Prohibited Devices

William & Mary prohibits the operation, storage, charging, or parking of any Class 3 electric bicycle or other electric mobility device capable of motor-assisted speeds greater than 20 miles per hour on university-owned or controlled property.

Any electric mobility device modified to exceed manufacturer specifications, or Virginia Class 1 or Class 2 standards is prohibited regardless of registration status.

The following devices are prohibited under this provision:

• Class 3 electric bicycles;
• Any electric bicycle or scooter capable of speeds exceeding 20 mph under motor power;
• Any modified or aftermarket-altered device that exceeds manufacturer specifications;
• Gas-powered scooters, mopeds, or other internal combustion engine devices not otherwise authorized;
• Hoverboards not certified by an approved NRTL;
• Devices utilizing uncertified or modified lithium-ion battery systems; and
• Any device determined by the university to present an unreasonable safety risk.

The university reserves the right to impound or remove prohibited devices immediately when deemed necessary for safety or operational reasons.

C. Operating Regulations

Operators must comply with all applicable Virginia traffic laws, university regulations, and manufacturer operating instructions.

1. General Safety

• Helmet and protective eyewear are strongly encouraged.
• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
• Operators must yield to pedestrians at all times.
• Reckless riding, racing, stunts, or unsafe operation is prohibited.
• No tandem/multiple riders.
• PMDs may not be operated indoors.
• Operators may not wear earphones or headphones in both ears while operating a PMD.
• Operators should use front and rear lighting when operating at night

2. Speed and Restricted Area

PMDs and MMDs must be operated at safe speeds appropriate for conditions and pedestrian activity. The university restricts operation in designated areas, including:

• Building interiors
• Crowded pedestrian zones (i.e. Sunken Garden, West Woods Complex)
• Pedestrian bridges
• Athletic facilities
• Loading docks
• Emergency access routes
• Areas identified by signage or barricades

V. Procedure

A. Registration Requirements

All electric mobility devices stored or parked on university bicycle racks must be registered with Parking & Transportation Services.

Registration requirements include:

• Owner identification information;
• Device make, model, and serial number;
• Verification of NRTL certification; and
• Visible display of a university-issued registration decal or permit.

The university may deny registration for any device that:

• Does not meet safety certification requirements;
• Has modified electrical systems;
• Falls outside permitted device classifications; or
• Is otherwise determined unsafe.

B. Safety Certification Requirements

All electric mobility devices operated or stored on university property must display certification from an approved NRTL.

Applicable certifications include:

• UL 2849 – Electrical Systems for E-Bikes
• UL 2272 – Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices
• UL 2271 – Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle Applications

Devices lacking visible certification markings may be prohibited from campus.

C. Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Requirements

Operators must monitor devices for signs of battery failure or hazardous conditions, including:

• Excessive heat
• Swelling or deformation
• Leaking fluids
• Smoke or unusual odors
• Popping, hissing, or crackling sounds
• Melted plastic or damaged wiring

Refer to the Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Guidelines (Appendix A) for additional information.  If any hazardous condition is observed:

• Discontinue use immediately;
• Move away from the device if safe to do so;
• Call 911 or W&M Police at (757) 221-4596; and
• Do not attempt to repair or recharge the device.

D. Storage and Parking Requirements

 

1. Outdoor Storage

PMDs and MMDs may only be secured at designated bicycle racks or approved storage areas using a U-lock or similarly secure locking mechanism.

Devices may not:

• Obstruct sidewalks, ramps, entrances, exits, or ADA access routes;
• Be attached to trees, railings, signs, benches, or light poles;
• Be stored inside stairwells, hallways, or emergency exits; or
• Interfere with pedestrian or vehicle traffic.

2. Indoor Storage

PMDs and MMDs may not be brought into or stored within university buildings, residence halls, offices, classrooms, common areas, or other interior spaces unless expressly authorized by the university.

E. Charging Requirements

Due to fire and life-safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries, all charging must occur off campus. Charging PMDs is prohibited inside university buildings and outdoors on university property, including on sidewalks, roadways, landscaped areas, or areas obstructing pedestrian movement.

F. Maintenance and Safe Condition

Operators are responsible for maintaining devices in safe working order, including:

• Functional brakes
• Proper tire condition
• Operational lighting
• Intact battery enclosures
• Safe electrical systems
• Manufacturer-recommended maintenance
• Modified, damaged, or unsafe devices may be removed from campus.

VI. Non-Compliance

A. Enforcement and Violations

Violations of these procedures may result in:

• Warnings;
• Citations;
• Device immobilization or impoundment;
• Student conduct referral;
• Employee disciplinary action;
• Loss of registration privileges; and/or
• Restitution for damages.

Improperly stored or prohibited devices may be impounded without prior notice. Impounded devices will be retained for up to 90 days and require proof of ownership for release.  Impounded devices may be recycled, donated, or disposed of after the holding period.

Devices left on campus during summer or university breaks without authorization may be considered abandoned.

B. Reporting Violations

To report unsafe operation, prohibited charging, abandoned devices, or other violations:

Parking & Transportation Services: (757) 221-4764 or [[parked]]
Residence Life: (757) 221-4314 or [[living]]
William & Mary Police Department: (757) 221-4596
Emergency: 911

 

VII.  Authority and Amendments

This policy was approved by the Executive Leadership Team on September 14, 2026.

The following university departments are responsible for implementation and enforcement of these procedures:

• Division of Public Safety
  • William & Mary Police Department
  • Risk Management
  • Emergency Management

• Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)
• Parking & Transportation Services
• Residence Life

Where this policy is more restrictive than state law, this policy governs behavior on university property.

VIII. Related Policies and Documents

Virginia Code § 46.2-100 – Definitions relating to electric power-assisted bicycles
OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program
NFPA Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Resources
UL 2849 – Standard for Electrical Systems for eBikes
UL 2271 – Battery Safety Testing and Certification
UL 2272 – Personal e-Mobility Evaluation, Testing and Certification
2024 Fire Code - Powered Micromobility Devices
W&M Residence Life Resource Guide 24-25
League of American Bicyclists – Bicycle Friendly University Resources
Virginia Code § 46.2‑904.1 (E-bike classification and regulation)
Virginia Code § 46.2‑908.1 (Electric scooters)
Virginia Code § 46.2‑905 (Roadway operation rules)