Electric scooters and bikes are permitted on campus. They may not be taken into any UMBC building at anytime. As with bikes, they must be locked at a bicycle rack. Scooters improperly secured will be confiscated by UMBC Police.
REGULATIONS
Pursuant to MD Transportation Code § 11-104 (2022), electric scooters and electric bikes are regulated similar to bicycles. The electric scooter (e-scooter) is a device with two or three wheels, handlebars, and footboard that can be stood upon riding, which is completely powered by an electric motor and human power. An electric bicycle (e-bike) is a motorized bicycle with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion.
UMBC is committed to creating an environmentally sustainable and safe campus. Therefore, UMBC regulates the use of e-scooters and e-bikes on university property. E-scooter and e-bike operators must adhere to the following rules and regulations:
- All E-scooters and e-bikes must be registered with UMBC Parking Services
- E-scooters and e-bikes must be operated on the road, designated paths, and adhere to all traffic laws and posted signs. This includes stopping at stop signs, obeying traffic signals, riding in the direction of traffic, the prohibited wearing of headphones or air buds in both ears, and yielding to other vehicles and pedestrians
- Operators must not be impaired while operating an e-scooter or e-bike
- E-scooters and e-bikes are to not be operated in university parking lots and garages
- E-scooters and e-bikes must be parked adjacent to bicycle rack in upright position
- E-scooters and e-bikes may not be parked on sidewalks, block pedestrian pathways, fire hydrants, ADA access, building entrances or impede the work of the university (e.g., mowing or snow removal.)
- E-scooters and e-bikes are not permitted to be in residence halls or other university buildings
- E-scooters must be folded and placed between the riders’ legs while seated or when standing on UMBC Transit
- E-scooters carried onto UMBC Transit must use sealed gel, lithium ion, or NiCad batteries for power. Gas powered scooters are prohibited regardless of whether they are also battery powered
- E-bikes can be secured on UMBC transit front racks similar to bicycles