Electric bikes and e-scooters are being banned on many college campuses in the US. Universities, including Boston College ban electric scooters in campus, due to worries about fire safety and pedestrian accidents. Despite their convenience and eco-friendly nature, safety concerns have led to stricter regulations.
Electric bicycles are very popular among university students in campuses and college towns. Many US college students are returning to campus, but they are not allowed to bring electric bikes and e-scooters. However, numerous colleges have begun implementing restrictions on these modes of transportation, either by prohibiting their storage in dormitories or by banning their usage entirely within campus premises. There are two main reasons considered for these bans, both claimed to be for safety: fire and accident. Earlier this year, students at Boston College received a letter from administrators, highlighting various instances that prompted the campus scooter ban.
Electric bikes are easier to ride than regular bicycles and are much cheaper than owning a car. In addition, they are cost- effective and give the convenience of free parking and minimal maintenance further enhances their appeal among students. Therefore, it is common for numerous students to safeguard their e-bikes from theft by storing them in their dorm rooms or apartments.
The administrators mentioned in the letter, “In recent weeks, Boston College administrators have become increasingly concerned about the use of e-scooters and other electric transportation devices on campus, especially in regard to the health and personal safety of riders, pedestrians, and building occupant. Many faculty, staff, and students have reported near-collisions and limited access to facilities because of scooters, and recharging lithium batteries in such vehicles has resulted in numerous fires around the United States. Additionally, a number of Boston College students have suffered injuries from e-scooter falls, and such accidents have caused serious injuries on college campuses across the country.”
In order to ensure the safety of all individuals within the Boston College community, a letter dated December 7th was sent by Vice President for Student Affairs Shawna Cooper Whitehead, Vice President for Human Resources David Trainor, and Executive Director of Public Safety William Evans, emphasizing the vital importance of this decision.
The letter confirms that electric bicycles will remain permitted on campus, as long as their owners comply with all relevant traffic regulations, store the e-bikes appropriately on designated racks, and refrain from bringing them into any campus facilities. Mobility aids for people with disabilities are not affected by the new policy.
According to the letter, Individuals who own electric scooters, hoverboards, and electric skateboards on campus should make appropriate arrangements to bring their vehicles home or store them in a secure off-campus location during the Christmas break. University administrators have announced that any electric transportation devices discovered on campus after December 22nd will be confiscated by University officials. It is critical to adhere to this policy, as any violations will lead to significant sanctions.
College Administration further added, “We ask for understanding and cooperation regarding this decision, and that you join us in helping keep our campus community as safe as possible.â€
Fires
Boston College bans electric scooters in campus as Fire safety and collisions with pedestrians are the two main concerns that underlie the ongoing debate surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters on campuses.
Over the past year, there have been numerous alarming incidents of e-bike fires making headlines. Tragically, some devastating apartment fires in NYC have been explicitly linked to battery fires originating from e-bikes that were being charged overnight.
Although millions of e-bikes are charged daily without incident, but the increasing number of fire cases involving poorly manufactured electric bikes serves as a reminder that this issue can still have fatal consequences.
Find out how to reduce electric bike fire risk?
Accidents
Battery powered vehicles banned in Boston College campus due to increase in number of collisions leading to pedestrians getting injured. The behavior of e-bike riders who ignore traffic rules or ride aggressively on sidewalks where pedestrians are present leads to such accidents. This is a bigger problem on college campuses with many students.
In these areas, there is a higher risk of accidents because there are more pedestrians who are distracted by their phones and not paying attention to their surroundings.
Some other colleges and universities are also following the same ban. While certain campuses have yet to implement a complete ban on e-bikes, they do not permit students to store them on campus, effectively creating a situation similar to a ban.
Students are advised to follow the rules or refrain from bringing e-bikes. While in some campuses the policy strictly prohibits the use of e-bikes on campus, encompassing both student housing and the courtyards of buildings.
Source BC joins growing number of colleges banning electric scooters on campus
