Wheeled Devices

Kutztown University Policy GEN-005

  1. Purpose

    The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for the safe and responsible use of Non-Motorized Wheeled Vehicles and Electric Micromobility Devices on university/foundation property. This program aims to minimize safety risks to the university community, protect university/foundation property from damage, and ensure a consistent and safe environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. This policy defines the prohibitions and appropriate use or areas of activity where the titled activity can be performed. Self-propelled wheelchairs and electric mobility devices specifically designed for and used by individuals with mobility-related disabilities are exempt from restrictions described herein. Students who need to use these devices as part of an accommodation or who have mobility concerns related to a disability, should contact the Disability Services Office for assistance, and faculty/staff should contact Human Resources.

  2. General

    This policy applies to all individuals on university/foundation property, including faculty, staff, students, and visitors. It addresses the use, storage, and parking of Non-Motorized Wheeled Vehicles and Electric Micromobility Devices. The university acknowledges the benefits of certain transportation options while also recognizing the potential safety hazards associated with their use. This policy is designed to balance these considerations.

  3. Definitions

    ELECTRIC MICROMOBILITY DEVICES: Small electric-powered transportation devices, including but not limited to electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), and other lightweight, wheeled electric-powered conveyances.

    NON-MOTORIZED WHEELED VEHICLES: Human-powered devices with wheels, including but not limited to skateboards, roller skates, rollerblades, scooters, and bicycles.

    UNIVERSITY/FOUNDATION PROPERTY: All land, buildings, facilities, and structures owned or controlled by the University or the Kutztown University Foundation.

    SAFETY REGULATIONS - Those rules and procedures necessary to ensure safety of individuals and property.

    UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS - Those rules and policies to ensure conformance to campus regulations, and specific university concerns.

    MULTI - PURPOSE FACILITIES - Those spaces, both indoors and outdoors used for various activities, classes, demonstrations, concerts, movies, etc.

    RESPONSIBLE PARTIES - Those individuals or advisors who indicate by signature that they will be in charge and assume the responsibility of insuring adherence to this policy.

    PROPERTY DAMAGE - The intentional or accidental damage to any property owned, leased or under the control of the university/foundation through the act of skate boarding, roller-blading, or roller skating.

  4. Policy

    Electric Micromobility Devices: Recognizing safety risks such as potential fire hazards and personal injury to operators and others, the use of Electric Micromobility Devices is prohibited on all university/foundation-owned or controlled property, including buildings, facilities, walkways and structures, including residence halls and apartments.

    Non-Motorized Wheeled Vehicles: Use is permitted on campus grounds, provided users prioritize the safety of individuals and property.

    Except where expressly permitted (e.g., residence hall room storage), prohibited locations include: inside university buildings; loading docks, stairs, banisters, railings, landings, ramps, walls, sculptures, benches, and other seating areas; athletic or recreational playing venues; and areas designated as prohibited by signage. Skateboards may be carried in university/foundation buildings.

    Vehicles must be secured to designated racks. Locking vehicles to handrails, handicap ramps, buildings, trees, or other non-designated areas is prohibited.

    Non-Motorized Wheeled Vehicles, of any type, shall not be ridden upon any stairway, wall, bench, fountain, or other structure or facility or on or over landscaping, shrubbery, grass or flower beds. Operators may not do tricks or stunts. Such devices are limited to use as transportation.

    Non-Motorized Wheeled Vehicles may only be used upon pedestrian pathways. Riding such devices on roadways or in parking lots is strictly prohibited at all times – because the university has determined that such uses would present unacceptable risks of injury to riders and other users, and unacceptable impeding of motor vehicle traffic in such areas. Also, the university may identify and by appropriate signage designate certain areas in which riding of any particular type of riding device is prohibited (e.g., it may designate certain pedestrian pathways as off-limits for skateboard riding because risk of personal injury are heightened due to steep grades or congestion). Persons riding such devices shall comply with all official traffic control devices and signs including posted signs prohibiting riding in a particular designated location. Device users may dismount and carry their devices across any pedestrian accessible area in which riding of such devices is prohibited.

    Every person operating a riding device in any pedestrian accessible area shall yield the right of way to pedestrians at all times.

    Every person riding a device shall ride their device in a controlled manner and shall exercise due care and reasonable caution to prevent injury to others, to self, or to property. Individuals using such devices upon the campus of Kutztown University do so at their own risk.

    Non-Motorized Wheeled Vehicles may not be operated two or more abreast on any pedestrian pathway, except as part of a university approved competition or function.

  5. Procedure(s)

    Any personnel observing a violation of this policy should immediately inform the violator of this policy. In the event that property damage or injury has occurred, a call should be placed for Public Safety and Police Services personnel to respond and investigate the incident. Officers shall identify the parties responsible for the property damage and if necessary, shall file the appropriate legal charges for such damage. If the person responsible for violating this policy does not cooperate with the staff member, a call should be placed to Public Safety and Police Services for assistance.

    The Offices of Housing and Residence Life, Dean of Students, Public Safety and Police Services, and University Relations shall communicate this policy annually to residents living on campus, commuting students, and visitors to campus via various communications and media outlets.

    The Office of Physical Facilities shall erect and maintain signs at the entrances to the university advising that these activities are prohibited upon the property.

    Public Safety and Police Services may refer an incident involving members of the university community to the appropriate campus office for follow-up. For incidents involving students, Public Safety and Police Services may refer the matter to the Office of Student Conduct for review and follow-up as appropriate. Students who fail to comply with this policy, or fail to comply with the directions of university officials enforcing this policy, may be charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and be subject to sanctions including, but not limited to, disciplinary warning or reprimand, disciplinary probation, loss of university housing, and/or university suspension.

    Vehicles are subject to confiscation due to misuse and/or non-compliance.

  6. Effective Dates

    August, 1997
    Revised 10/2007
    Revised 1/2016
    Revised 10/2025

  7. Last Review:

    August, 2010
    August, 2011
    August, 2012
    August, 2013
    June 2026 (renamed from STU-024)
    July 2026