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. E-scooters may be parked in designated bicycle parking areas.
3. Company-owned scooters may only be operated or parked on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus under an agreement with the university. Further rules and restrictions regarding company-owned e-scooters will be outlined in such agreements.
4. E-scooters may not be operated inside buildings unless approved by campus authorities as a mobility device.
5. E-scooters may not be brought or stored inside buildings unless approved by a building manager and stored in a designated storage place.
6. E-scooters may not be charged on campus unless approved by building manager, campus authorities, or in an authorized charging location.
7. E-scooters which are improperly parked, abandoned/stagnant, or lacking an 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.
8. Restrictions
   1. E-scooters are prohibited in the gated section of visitor garages and ramps.
   2. E-scooters may not park/lock:
      
      1. To utility poles, trees, bollards, railings, signposts, or fences.
      2. In restricted areas, such as: fire lanes, reserved stalls, disabled stalls, disabled stall access aisles, loading zones, construction areas, sidewalks, driveways, and grass areas.
      3. Anywhere but designated bicycle parking areas.
   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 may create and post e-scooter dismount zones where operation on sidewalks is not allowed.
   5. UW-Madison Transportation Services has the authority to close a lot or designated bicycle parking area for construction, maintenance, or safety issues. Users will be notified in advance of lot closures, whenever possible, via postings.
   6. 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 Transportation Operations

Contact:

Assistant Director of Parking Services -- David Berland, david.berland@wisc.edu, (608) 263-6667

Effective Date:

08-01-2019

Revised Dates:

05-19-2022, 08-02-2023, 07-02-2024

Retrieved:

06-18-2025 14:07:05