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 pedestrian, bicycle, moped, and other vehicular traffic.

Definitions:

The following definitions are specific to the UW–Madison Campus and may vary from other city, county, or state definitions:

Company owned e-scooter
An e-scooter owned by a company for the purpose of scooter share use.
E-scooter
An electric scooter that weighs 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:

Policy

  • All e-scooters must be operated in accordance with local, state, federal and UW–Madison campus regulations. Designated authorities may cite improperly operated or impound improperly parked vehicles.
  • In order to park on the UW campus, a privately-owned e-scooter must have a UW e-scooter permit.
  • A UW e-scooter permit is available only to faculty, staff and students with a valid UW Wiscard/UW Health/UW affiliate ID. An e-scooter permit can be purchased at one of the Transportation Services office locations.
  • E-scooter permits are not lot specific.
  • Individuals may only possess one e-scooter permit.
  • E-scooter permit stickers must be visible from the front of the vehicle. Failure to properly affix the sticker may result vehicle impoundment and a reclamation fee accessed.
  • E-scooter permits may not be transferred or sold.
  • Company owned scooters may only be operated or parked on the UW–Madison campus under an agreement with UW–Madison. 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.
  • E-scooters may only be parked in designated e-scooter parking areas.
  • E-scooters may not be operated inside buildings unless approved by campus authorities as a mobility device.
  • E-scooters may not be brought inside or stored inside buildings unless approved by building manager and stored in a designated storage place.
  • E-scooters that are improperly parked, abandoned/stagnant, or that lack permit/operating agreement are subject to impoundment (towing). Owner must be able to prove ownership to reclaim by showing proof of purchase, describing the vehicle and where it was last parked, and being able to prove they can unlock/electronically operate the vehicle.
  • First impound citation (if for lack of permit) may be voided if the customer purchases an e-scooter parking permit.

Restrictions

  • E-scooters are prohibited in the gated section of visitor garages and ramps.
  • E-scooters may not park/lock:
    • At or near bicycle racks or bicycle parking areas on the UW Campus
    • To utility poles, trees, bollards, railings, sign posts or fences
    • In restricted areas, such as: fire lanes, reserved stalls, disabled stalls, disabled stall access aisles, loading zones, construction areas, sidewalks, driveways and grass areas.
    • Anywhere but designated e-scooter parking stalls.
  • E-scooters cannot be stored (parked for more than 72 hours) without authorization from UW Transportation Services. Unauthorized vehicles may be impounded.
  • UW 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 basis. Lots restricted for an event will be posted at the lot entrance and/or at transportation.wisc.edu.
  • UW Transportation Services may create and post e-scooter dismount zones where operation on sidewalks is not allowed.
  • UW 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.
  • The permit holder is responsible for returning their permit, along with the cancellation form, to notify Transportation Services when employment is terminated and/or the annual parking assignment is no longer needed.
  • You must pay all citations and other unpaid fees due to Transportation Services before applying for or accepting a permit assignment.
  • Report lost/stolen permits or passes to 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.
  • Vehicles using altered or counterfeit permits are subject to ticket and tow.
  • Failure to follow UW Transportation Services policies may result in revoked parking privileges.
Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:

Permit rates available on UW Transportation Services website

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Director of 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
Retrieved:
09-25-2022 12:32:05