Micromobility Policy

Lesley University adopts this policy to address the evolving fire, life safety, and collision risks posed by lithium-ion battery and gasoline powered Micromobility Devices while federal and state regulatory frameworks continue to develop.

This policy applies to all members of the Lesley University community, including faculty, adjunct faculty, staff, students, alumni/ae, vendors, contractors, consultants, guests, and visitors on University Property.

Micromobility Device means any small, wheeled, personal transportation or recreation device that is powered, in whole or in part, by a lithium-ion battery or gasoline driven motor for propulsion. Micromobility Devices include, but are not limited to:

• Scooters (e-scooters, mini-e-scooters), seated or standing
• Bicycles (e-bikes) of all classes
• Mini bikes, mini trikes, drift trikes, and pocket bikes
• Skateboards
• Hoverboards and wheeled self-balancing boards
• Unicycles
• Segways

Associated Electrical Systems means all components that make up an electrical system of a Micromobility Device, including but not limited to:

• Lithium-ion batteries original to the Micromobility Device;   
• Electric bicycle or scooter conversion kits; and
• Any spare battery, replacement battery pack, or charger intended for use with a Micromobility Device, original to the device and aftermarket products.

Charging means connecting a device or its battery to any power source, indoors or outdoors, including a wall outlet, power strip, extension cord, portable power station, generator, or vehicle outlet.

Exterior Outlet means an electrical outlet located outdoors on University Property, including an outlet mounted on the exterior of a University Building, that can be accessed without entering a University Building.

Storage means leaving a Micromobility Device or Associated Electrical System in a location on University Property for any period of time, whether or not it is attended, secured, or charging. Storage includes leaving Micromobility Devices at an exterior bicycle rack on University Property.

University Property means all buildings, residence halls, facilities, roadways, walkways, courtyards, green spaces, and parking lots owned or operated by Lesley University, including South Campus, Doble Campus, and Porter Campus.

University Building means any structure owned or operated by Lesley University, including but not limited to residence halls, dining facilities, classrooms, and offices.

Lesley University prohibits the use and operation of Micromobility Devices on University Property, including parking lots, walkways, and grassy areas. Micromobility Devices may be walked onto University Property and secured to an outdoor University bicycle rack. Securing a device to a University tree, railing, fence, post, or any fixture other than an outdoor University bicycle rack is prohibited.

Lesley University prohibits the use, possession, Storage, and Charging of Micromobility Devices and their Associated Electrical Systems inside all University Buildings. This prohibition includes:

• Riding or operating a Micromobility Device inside a University Building;
• Bringing or storing a Micromobility Device inside a University Building; and
• Charging a Micromobility Device or Associated Electrical System, including a removed battery, at any indoor University outlet.

Micromobility Devices and their Associated Electrical Systems may be Charged on University Property only at Exterior Outlets. Charging at any indoor outlet, or from any power source located inside a University Building, is prohibited. Running an extension cord or power strip from inside a University Building to an outdoor location in order to Charge a Micromobility Device is prohibited.

A Charging Micromobility Device must be positioned so that it does not block or narrow any building entrance, exit, stairway, ramp, walkway, or accessible route, and must be kept clear of doorways. Cords may not be run across a walkway or in any manner that creates a trip hazard.

A Micromobility Device, battery, or other Associated Electrical System must be attended at all times while Charging. The person responsible for the device must remain at the Charging location and keep the device in sight. A Micromobility Device or Associated Electrical System must be disconnected promptly from the Exterior Outlet when Charging is complete.

Micromobility Devices and their Associated Electrical Systems Stored or Charged on University Property must meet be certified to the applicable safety standard by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and must be used, Stored and Charged in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Lesley University prohibits the disposal of lithium-ion batteries in any University trash or recycling receptacle. Members of the University community who need to dispose of a lithium-ion battery from a Micromobility Device must submit a Facilities work order requesting collection and disposal of the battery. The battery must remain outside University Buildings while awaiting collection.

Where a Micromobility Device presents an immediate fire hazard, for example, a battery that is swollen, damaged, smoking, or subject to a safety recall, Public Safety may remove or isolate it immediately. In such cases the Micromobility Device may not be returned.

Nothing in this policy limits the rights of individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, or Massachusetts law. An individual with a disability who requires a Micromobility Device for mobility that would otherwise be prohibited by this policy may request an accommodation to this policy. Students should contact Disability Support Services at dss@lesley.edu and employees should contact Human Resources at hr@lesley.edu to make these requests.

Lesley’s Public Safety Office reserves the right to confiscate a Micromobility Device found in a prohibited location or otherwise used, Stored, or charged in violation of this Policy. Confiscated devices are held for 72 hours and may be retrieved from Public Safety on proof of ownership. Before the device is released, the owner must acknowledge receipt of this Policy and agree to comply with it. The owner must also identify where the device will be taken upon its retrieval. The University may require this acknowledgement and confirmation to be completed in writing. The University is not responsible for loss of or damage to a confiscated device. A device that is not retrieved within the hold period may be treated as abandoned property.

If any student, faculty, or staff member is found to have violated this policy, it may constitute a violation of the University’s Community Standards of Conduct Policy and result in referral to the applicable University disciplinary process.