Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to promote the safety and well-being of the campus community. Given the safety concerns presented to pedestrians and due to the inherent risks of fire or explosions associated with damaged or defective lithium-ion batteries, non-medical personal mobility devices are not permitted at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Charging and storing these devices creates potential fire risks for building occupants. This policy was created to safeguard the university community by removing the hazard of such devices on campus properties.

Scope 

This policy applies to all IUP students, faculty, staff, alumni, affiliates, contractors, visitors, and the general public. This policy applies to all IUP facilities and University-owned properties.

Definitions 

For the purposes of this policy, non-medical personal mobility devices are defined as, but are not limited to the following:

  • Electronic scooters (e-scooters)
  • Electronic skateboards (e-skateboards)
  • Hoverboards
  • Segways
  • Motorized unicycles
  • Any similar electronic personal transportation device

Objective 

Effective on July 15, 2026, all electronic non-medical personal mobility devices are banned from the campuses and locations of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Individuals are not permitted to store, charge, travel on, or carry electronic personal mobility devices on campus grounds or inside any University owned or operated facilities.

Exemptions 

The following are exempt from this policy:

  1. Wheelchairs and other ADA-related mobility aids or devices are explicitly excluded from the scope of this policy. An individual in need of an accommodation for electronic mobility devices, such as electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, which are needed for disability-related purposes, must have an approved accommodation on file through the Office of Human Resources. An ADA request form is required to be completed (ADA Request for Accommodation Form). This form can also be obtained by contacting the Office of Human Resources. For students, the Department of Disability Access and Advising (D2A2) provides accommodations and services for students with disabilities, requests for accommodations can be made by contacting 724-357-4067 or disability-access@iup.edu.
  2. This policy does not apply to traditional higher-speed transportation devices such as cars, buses, trucks, or motorcycles.
  3. This policy also does not apply to motorized grounds maintenance equipment, including golf carts used for maintenance or transportation purposes.
  4. Electronic bicycles (e-bikes) are permitted on-campus so long as all components (including the battery) are properly stored outside. E-bikes are not permitted inside any University building and may not be charged on-campus. E-bikes may only be operated on roadways or approved campus bike paths and are subject to the vehicle code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Violation and Enforcement 

  • Violations of this policy are subject to the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, applicable federal laws and regulations, municipal ordinances, policies/guidelines of IUP, and the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education.
  • Violations of these provisions may subject violators to disciplinary
  • IUP reserves the right to charge back the cost of any associated repairs to any entity or individual that violates this policy.
  • Any electronic personal mobility devices found on campus may be confiscated by A first offense may not result in confiscation if the issue is resolved in a timely manner.