Policy on E-Scooters and Other Low-Speed, Motorized Personal Transportation Devices on Campus

Policy Number: UP-4500-002

Policy Title:  Policy on E-Scooters and Other Low-Speed, Motorized Personal Transportation Devices on Campus

Vice Chancellor/Associate Chancellor: Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services

Unit Responsible for Policy: UIC Police Department

Effective Date: January 1, 2021

Contacts: Chief of Police

Policy Statement: To maintain the safety and comfort of all individuals on campus, the university prohibits the use of e-scooters and other low-speed, motorized personal transportation devices on university premises and in university facilities.

The policy includes but is not limited to motorized scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, all classes of pedal and throttle assist bicycles, and roller blades. This policy does not apply to wheelchairs or ADA-related mobility aids.

The placement or storage of these transportation devices on university premises or in university facilities must be in university-approved designated locations (identified in the procedures associated with this policy).

Users of e-scooters and similar devices are expected to know and follow all applicable city laws and ordinances, including the use of protective gear. Laws will be strictly enforced on city streets and sidewalks within the UIC campus.

Noncompliance

Failure to comply with this policy or applicable laws and ordinances may result in:

1. an initial warning;
2. a referral to the appropriate university disciplinary system or process;
3. citations under the Illinois Vehicle Code;

Exceptions

Wheelchairs and other ADA-related mobility aids or devices are explicitly excluded from the scope of this policy. This policy does not apply to traditional higher speed transportation devices such as cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles. This policy also does not apply to motorized grounds maintenance equipment.

Reason for Policy: The primary reasons for this are policy are:

• to protect the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors at the University of Illinois Chicago by prohibiting use of non-ADA motorized devices on university premises or in university facilities; and
• to reduce the risk of injury to persons and damage to university property.
• to ensure compliance with Illinois state law and City of Chicago ordinances

Minority Impact Statement:  This policy presents no impacts to minority groups.

Who Should Read the Policy:  All individuals who work, attend classes, visit, pass through or are otherwise present on university premises or in university facilities should read this policy.

Definitions:

• Low Speed, Motorized Personal Transportation Device: An electric scooter or electric skateboard or similar device as defined in the Chicago Municipal Code. ADA mobility aids and devices are specifically excluded.
• Use: Use means actively riding, rolling, or moving using the device. It does not mean walking the device or carrying the device.
• ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
• University premises: For purposes of this policy, university premises include university-owned streets, sidewalks, walkways, exterior open spaces, parking lots, driveways, and loading docks on the Chicago campus.
• University facilities: For purposes of this policy, university facilities include any university-owned academic and auxiliary buildings, classrooms, laboratories, residences, residence halls, dining facilities, elevators, stairwells, restrooms, roofs, meeting rooms, hallways, lobbies and other common areas, hotel rooms and conference facilities, athletic complexes and facilities, shuttle buses, shuttle bus stops, and university-owned parking garages on the Chicago campus.

Procedures: See UIC Police website

Related Laws, Regulations, Statutes, and Policies: Enforcement of this policy shall be in accordance with City of Chicago and State of Illinois ordinance, including but not limited to:

• Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/1‐140.10, and including motor vehicles that cannot be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• City of Chicago Municipal Code Title 9
• Carrying Articles, refer to the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625ILCS5/11‐1506.
• Clinging to Vehicles, refer to the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625ILCS5/11‐1504.
• Riding Abreast, refer to the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625ILCS5/11‐1505.1.
• Right of Way to Pedestrians, refer to the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625ILCS5/11‐1502.
• Hand Signals, refer to the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625ILCS5/11‐1510and5/11‐1511.
• UIC Student Disciplinary Policy
• U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section: Wheelchairs, Mobility Aids, and Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices

Document History: 

Approved by: Committee on Policy, CVC, Chancellor
Approval date: December 21, 2020
Approved as: New Policy