Ohio Admin. Code 3339-16-19

Current through all regulations passed and filed through December 2, 2024

Section 3339-16-19 - Electronic scooters (e-scooters)

Miami university is committed to creating a sustainable and safe campus. As part of these efforts, Miami university regulates the use of e-scooters devices on university property.

E-scooters may only be ridden in campus bike lanes. E-scooter operators must obey all traffic rules, traffic lights and signs and other rules of the road.

Motorized scooter operators must review and adhere to the following rules and safety tips. For additional information about safety and service offerings, please visit Lime. Operators must follow all of safety rules in paragraph (A) of this rule.

(A) Safety rules

(1) E-scooters may only be operated in bike lanes. E- scooters are not permitted to be operated on any sidewalk on university property at any time with the exception of the bike lane incorporated into the sidewalk along Patterson avenue.

(2) Operators must not carry passengers.

(3) Operators must not be under the influence of alcohol when operating an e-scooter.

(4) Operators must not race e-scooters, other personal transportation devices or vehicles.

(5) Operators may not wear headphones.

(6) E-scooters are banned from all university buildings, parking lots and garages. E-scooters may not be ridden or parked in university parking lots or garages.

(7) E-scooters must be parked at bicycle rack pads if on campus property

(8) E-scooters must never be parked on sidewalks, block pedestrian pathways, building entrances or impede the work of the university (e.g., mowing or snow removal.)

(9) E-scooters are not permitted in residence halls or other university buildings. E-scooters may not be charged in residence halls or on other university property.

(10) E-scooters found in residence halls or left unattended anywhere on university property other than an established bicycle rack pad may be impounded by university police.

(11) University employees may not operate e-scooters on university property while on university business and will not be reimbursed for any e-scooter use.

(12) Operators may not transport packages

(13) Pedestrians have the right of way at all times.

(B) Citation and impoundment

When any e-scooter (excluding handicap e-scooters) is determined to be in violation of this Rule, the e-scooter is subject to a twenty-five dollar citation, impoundment (impound fee is seventy-five dollars), or both, at the owner's expense. A five dollar daily storage fee will accrue until the e-scooter is retrieved. Miami university is not responsible for damage to e-scooters. E-scooters will be released to the registered owner or their duly authorized agent only after all the following conditions are met:

(1) All outstanding citations and impoundment fees are paid.

(2) A picture identification is presented.

(3) Proof of ownership or retrieval authorization is presented.

(C) Appeals of citation/impoundment

Appeals should be addressed in writing within five calendar days to the director of environmental health and safety, 164A, Cole service building, Miami university, Oxford, OH 45056. Appeals must include all pertinent information and supporting documentation needed to allow the director of environmental health and safety, to make an informed decision. Appeals should contain a complete and full explanation of circumstances or claim.

(D) Individual responsibility

Individuals will be held personally responsible for any damage caused to university property as a result of the operation of a personal transportation device on university property. Individuals assume the risk of personal injury and death and will be held responsible for any injuries to themselves or others as a result of any violation of this Policy or the improper operation of any personal transportation device on university property.

(E) Safety tips

(1) Wear a helmet

(2) Maintain a three-foot minimum distance from pedestrians.

(3) Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

(4) Watch the road for uneven surfaces and debris.

(5) Be wary of puddles and leaves that may hide potholes.

(6) Dress to be seen and do not operate at night.

(7) Share the road and never ride against traffic.

(8) Eliminate distractions. Do not text while riding.

The recommendations included above are intended to increase safety when riding a motorized scooter but are not intended to be an exhaustive list of safety precautions or to guarantee operator safety. Operators are expected to review and abide by any terms and conditions agreed to in order to ride the motorized scooter. As with any device used for transportation, users operate at their own risk.

Ohio Admin. Code 3339-16-19

Effective: 10/1/2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 3339.1
Rule Amplifies: 3339.1