E-Scooters

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Policy Number:

UW-6147

Responsible Office:

Transportation Services

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

Parking and use of electric scooters on campus is regulated to improve safety and reduce conflicts with pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds, and vehicle traffic. 

Definitions:

Company-owned e-scooter

An e-scooter owned by a company for scooter share use.

E-scooter

An electric scooter weighing less than 100 lbs, has handlebars and an electric motor. Powered only by electric motor and human power; max speed of 20 mph.

Privately owned e-scooter

An e-scooter owned by a private citizen for personal use.

Policy:

1. All e-scooters must be operated in accordance with local, state, federal and University of Wisconsin–Madison campus regulations. Designated authorities may cite improperly operated vehicles or impound improperly parked vehicles.
2. In order to park on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, a privately-owned e-scooter must have a valid UW-Madison Transportation Services e-scooter permit.
3. A UW e-scooter permit is available to faculty, staff and students with a valid Wiscard/UW Health/UW affiliate ID. An e-scooter permit can be purchased at one of the UW-Madison Transportation Services office locations.
4. E-scooter permits are not lot specific.
5. Individuals may only possess one e-scooter permit.
6. E-scooter permit stickers must be visible from the front of the vehicle. Failure to properly affix the sticker may result in vehicle impoundment and a reclamation fee.
7. E-scooter permits may not be transferred or sold.
8. Company-owned scooters may only be operated or parked on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus under an agreement with the university. No permit sticker is required for company-owned scooters under a current agreement. Further rules and restrictions regarding company-owned e-scooters will be outlined in such agreements.
9. E-scooters may only be parked in designated e-scooter parking areas.
10. E-scooters may not be operated inside buildings unless approved by campus authorities as a mobility device.
11. E-scooters may not be brought or stored inside buildings unless approved by a building manager and stored in a designated storage place.
12. E-scooters may not be charged on campus unless approved by building manager, campus authorities, or in an authorized charging location.
13. E-scooters which are improperly parked, abandoned/stagnant, or lacking a permit/operating agreement are subject to impoundment (towing). The e-scooter’s owner must be able to prove ownership to reclaim by showing proof of purchase, describing the vehicle and where it was last parked, and unlocking/electronically operating the vehicle.
14. The first impound citation received for a lack of permit may be voided if the customer purchases an e-scooter parking permit. 
15. Restrictions
    1. E-scooters are prohibited in the gated section of visitor garages and ramps.
    2. E-scooters may not park/lock:
       1. At or near bicycle racks or bicycle parking areas on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.
       2. To utility poles, trees, bollards, railings, signposts, or fences.
       3. In restricted areas, such as: fire lanes, reserved stalls, disabled stalls, disabled stall access aisles, loading zones, construction areas, sidewalks, driveways, and grass areas.
       4. Anywhere but designated e-scooter parking stalls.
    3.  E-scooters cannot be stored (parked for more than 72 hours) without authorization from UW-Madison Transportation Services. Unauthorized vehicles may be impounded.
    4. UW-Madison Transportation Services has the right to reserve lots/ramps for event parking on campus. Parking may be sold in advance or at the lot entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Lots restricted for an event will be posted at lot entrances or lot restrictions will be emailed to permit holders who will be affected by an event.
    5. UW-Madison Transportation Services may create and post e-scooter dismount zones where operation on sidewalks is not allowed.
    6. UW-Madison Transportation Services has the authority to close a lot for construction, maintenance, or safety issues. Permit holders will be notified in advance of lot closures, whenever possible. Permit holders may be relocated at any time.
    7. The permit holder is responsible for returning their permit, along with the cancellation form, to notify UW-Madison Transportation Services when employment is terminated and/or the annual parking assignment is no longer needed.
    8. People seeking permits must pay all citations and other unpaid fees due to UW-Madison Transportation Services before applying for or accepting a permit assignment.
    9. Report lost/stolen permits or passes to UW-Madison Transportation Services immediately. Refunds will not be issued for lost/stolen e-scooter parking permits. A replacement permit may be purchased at the pro-rated replacement cost.
    10. Vehicles using altered or counterfeit permits are subject to ticket and tow.
    11. Failure to follow UW-Madison Transportation Services policies may result in revoked parking privileges. 

Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:

Permit rates available on UW-Madison Transportation Services website

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:

Assistant Vice Chancellor of UW-Madison Transportation Services

Policy Manager:

Director of Parking Operations

Contact:

Director of Parking Operations -- Tanara Teal-Tate, tanara.tealtate@wisc.edu, (608) 263-9591

Effective Date:

08-01-2019

Revised Dates:

05-19-2022, 08-02-2023

Retrieved:

04-27-2024 05:32:05