Devices approved by DSO are exempt from restriction
By Bethany McDonald
Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students Dr. Stephen Rupprecht announced a university-wide prohibition on e-mobility devices, including electric scooters, electric bikes and motorized skateboards in an email to KU students.
In terms of exempt devices, self-propelled wheelchairs and electric mobility devices designed for and used by individuals with mobility-related disabilities are allowed when approved by the Disability Services Office (DSO).
Rupprecht expressed that the decision was made in response to increasing concerns about fire and life safety, pedestrian safety and congestion in high-traffic areas.
“Options to find a safe way to allow these devices on campus were explored, but were unsuccessful,” Rupprecht said. “To keep the campus safe, the university decided to ban them from campus.”
Rupprecht said the university began discussing the policy in early 2025 because of safety concerns. He also pointed to incidents involving e-mobility devices at colleges and universities across the country, including fires caused by lithium batteries.
At KU, Rupprecht said an electric bike’s lithium battery caught fire in June 2025 at a bike rack outside of a residence hall. The Kutztown Fire Department responded, and a hazardous materials team was called to manage and remove the battery.
Rupprecht said lithium battery fires present significant safety concerns because they can require batteries to be allowed to burn out rather than be extinguished immediately. He said a similar fire inside a university building could have catastrophic consequences.
In addition to fire risks, Rupprecht said e-mobility devices can create pedestrian safety concerns. Although the devices provide convenient transportation for students, they can travel at speeds that create serious risks in areas primarily designed for foot traffic.
The university’s enforcement approach will depend on the circumstances of each violation.
Rupprecht stated that an initial violation will generally result in a warning when circumstances allow.
“If the device is being operated recklessly or creates a dangerous circumstance, the device will likely be confiscated immediately,” Rupprecht said.
Rupprecht said the university recognizes that transportation is important.
“We recognize that transportation is a critical issue for many students who do not have access to a car,” Rupprecht said. “As always, we encourage students to use non-motorized transportation options such as walking or traditional wheeled devices, in accordance with university policies.”