The University of Miami announced new transportation policies that restrict “micromobility devices”.
According to UM’s website, the policy prohibits electronic micromobility vehicles, a form of personal transport powered by a motor with or without a saddle and no more than three wheels. E-bikes, hoverboards, e-scooters and similar electronic micromobility vehicles may not be used on pedestrian walkways, stored indoors or charged on campus.
While the University supports sustainable transportation, concerns like pedestrian safety, fire hazards from lithium batteries and obstruction of emergency exits ultimately led the University to implement this new policy.
Sophomore Harper Smith is glad to see the e-scooters go.
“Scooter drivers never give pedestrians the right of way.” she said. “They cut [pedestrians] off or almost run them over.”
Sophomore and former e-scooter owner, Jared Hinojosa, also agrees with the University’s decision to restrict micromobility usage.
“Scooters are really dangerous, I fell off my own scooter multiple times and hurt myself,” the sophomore said. “I think this will be a good change and reduce the chance of people being injured by scooters,” he said. “Although it was a great way of getting from one place to another, especially as a freshman without a car, I am not shocked at their decision.”
While restricting the usage of electric micromobility vehicles means safer walkways for pedestrians, some say it puts student athletes at a disadvantage.
Sabrina Fernandez, a member of the women’s rowing team, is not happy with the University’s updated policy.
“This restriction removes a tool that provides essential convenience and time management for my academic success and athletic performance,” Fernandez said. “I believe the University should consider how such policies disproportionately affect certain communities of students.”
She felt it was unfair that individuals who operated their micromobility devices responsibly are being unfairly punished by the new policy.
“My scooter is registered, and I have always respected traffic rules and operated it cautiously,” Fernandez said. “Maintaining this privilege is critical for students like me to succeed in both academics and athletics.”
Non-electric bicycles, motorized wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices that have been approved by the Office of Disability Services and the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion are still permitted on campus.
Micromobility devices are not allowed on popular pedestrian walkways such as the Foote Green, Lakeside walkways and breezeways, meaning they can only be used on the exterior parts of campus.
Only registered devices are allowed to park at designated parking racks, located at the exterior parts of campus near approved e-scooter paths, as shown on the school’s micromobility map. According to section 4.1 of the micromobility policy, parking your device next to campus structures like handrails, stairwells, trees, fences, benches, light poles and signs is not permitted.
Any violations of this policy may result in a citation, impoundment of the device or disciplinary action. Section 4.3 of the policy outlines in detail additional consequences such as citations under Florida Statute 316.2065 and fines.
Non-registered bicycles or scooters will have a $25 impoundment fine and will be confiscated by UMPD, with an additional $5 every day it is stored.
The Office of Parking and Transportation encourages faculty and students to kindly inform those who may not know about the new policy and remind those disregarding it. The office also asks that everyone familiarizes themselves with the new policy and micromobility map.
These modifications are subject to change. Once incorporated, UM will listen to the community’s feedback and modify accordingly.
“The University will assess the policy’s effectiveness after the initial rollout and may make adjustments based on community feedback and safety data,” says the Office of Parking and Transportation.
The University of Miami did not respond to multiple requests for comment.