University of Miami restricts e-scooters and e-bikes, citing safety and fire risks

The University of Miami is tightening restrictions on electric scooters, e-bikes and other personal mobility devices, citing safety hazards and the growing threat of battery fires.

Effective Aug. 19, students and staff will no longer be allowed to ride or park personal electric vehicles such as scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards on sidewalks, breezeways, the Foote Green or other pedestrian-heavy areas of the Coral Gables campus.

The new rules, announced Tuesday by the university’s Parking and Transportation Department, are part of a broader push for “safer, smarter mobility,” according to UM officials.

“We’ve seen a growing number of incidents involving pedestrian collisions, blocked emergency routes, and battery fires,” the department said in a statement. “This policy is about protecting the safety and well-being of our community.”

The crackdown also comes amid growing concerns about distracted riders — students are often seen whisking around campus on scooters with earbuds in and eyes glued to their phones — posing risks to both themselves and others on foot.

Under the new guidelines:

• All micromobility devices must be parked only at designated outdoor racks
• Indoor storage or charging is strictly prohibited
• Devices must be registered with the University of Miami Police Department
• Violators could face fines, impoundment or other disciplinary action

UM’s crackdown mirrors a growing national trend as colleges grapple with the risks of lithium-ion batteries and the rapid growth of personal electric vehicles on campus.

The university already bans shared scooter services like Bird and Lime, with no plans to revisit the policy.

For full policy details and the new micromobility parking map, visit miami.edu/parking.