29 - MICRO-MOBILITY DEVICES
Section Contents
| 29.1 | GENERAL INFORMATION |
| 29.2 | DEFINITIONS |
| 29.3 | USE OF MICRO-MOBILITY DEVICES |
| 29.4 | PARKING/STORAGE OF MICRO-MOBILITY DEVICES |
| 29.5 | CHARGING OF MICRO-MOBILITY DEVICE BATTERIES |
| 29.6 | REFERENCES |
- GENERAL INFORMATION
-
Use and storage of lithium-ion battery-equipped micro-mobility devices may pose fire safety risks. To minimize such risk, the following standards apply to the usage of such devices by students, staff, faculty and visitors on the University campus and within University buildings.
These requirements do not pertain to the use of micro-mobility devices that are necessary due to a disability or other medical reason. In such situations, users shall contact Human Resources or the Office of Disability Support Services for further guidance.
- DEFINITIONS
- Micro-mobility devices: any small, low-speed, partially or fully motorized personal transportation device. Such devices typically operate less than 30 miles per hour, weigh less than 500 pounds, are less than 3 feet wide and are equipped with lithium-ion batteries which are charged using common residential 120V AC outlets. Common examples include electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), and other small, light-weight wheeled conveyances.
- USE OF MICRO-MOBILITY DEVICES
Before you ride:
- Inspect your device for any damage, including the handlebars, brakes, throttle, bell, lights, tires, cables and frame.
- Thoroughly review and follow the manufacturer's guidelines, including age and weight restrictions.
While in use:
- Obey traffic laws: Micro-mobility device users must obey all applicable traffic laws and regulations, to include speed limits and adherence to pedestrian crosswalks, stop, yield, and other signage.
- Observe Speed Limits: Micro-mobility operators must no exceed 10 mph while traveling within the District of Columbia. Note that in spaces where the posted speed limit is less than 10 mph, users must abide by the posted speed limit.
- Micro-mobility devices may not be operated inside any University building.
- Wear a Helmet: Helmet use is strongly encouraged while operating micro-mobility devices.
- Yield to Others: Micro-mobility users must yield to persons with disabilities, pedestrians, bicyclists and other forms of traffic.
- Substance-Free Riding: Micro-mobility devices shall not be operated while under the influence of intoxicants.
- Ride Responsibly: Be aware of your surroundings as you may not be seen or heard by other road users. Do not use earbuds or other devices which may impact hearing while using micro-mobility devices.
PARKING/STORAGE OF MICRO-MOBILITY DEVICES
- Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions.
- Do not store/park indoors. Store micro-mobility devices at outdoor bike racks. Park devices upright and do not obstruct sidewalks or other accessible pathways, building entrances and exits, roadways, fire safety equipment, or emergency egress paths.
- Improperly stored devices may be removed and confiscated for safety purposes. University community members may contact the Department of Public Safety (202-319-5111) to report improperly stowed devices. DPS may also be contacted by device owners for retrieval of confiscated devices.
CHARGING OF MICRO-MOBILITY DEVICE BATTERIES
All batteries on campus must meet Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standards.
Avoid aftermarket and generic accessories which may increase risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
When storing lithium-ion batteries and the devices they power:
- Store them at room temperature
- Do not leave them in a hot car, direct sunlight or freezing temperatures.
- Keep them away from combustible materials.
- Do not submerge in water.
Safe charging:
- Read and follow the manufacturer's charging instructions.
- Only use the charging equipment that came with your device, designed specifically for it. This includes the battery, charging cable and power adaptor.
- Only use manufacturer-approved replacement battery packs.
- Never use a device with a battery pack that's been modified or re-worked by unqualified personnel, or with re-purposed or used cells.
- Plus the charger directly into a wall outlet. Do not use a power strip or extension cord.
- Place your device on a hard, stable, metal surface while charging. Don't charge devices on beds, couches, or pillows.
- Don't leave device unattended while charging. Don't charge devices while you are sleeping.
- Do not continue charging the battery once it is fully charged.
- Contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety/Risk Management at cua-ehs@cua.edu for disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Do not dispose of them in the trash or general recycling.
- Don't charge shared devices, including Lime and Bird scooters, on the University campus or within University buildings.