Personal Electric Mobility Devices (PEMDs)

University of South Alabama main campus: includes any property owned, leased, or controlled by the University, including sidewalks, walkways, buildings, grounds, parking lots, structures, athletic and recreation facilities, and streets - as well as streets and roads adjacent to any property owned, leased, or controlled by the University. The main campus does not include any property managed by USA Health or University of South Alabama Health Care Authority.

 

Personal Electric Mobility Devices (PEMD): electric or motorized scooters, electric skateboards, electric hoverboards, and other electric mobility devices used for personal transportation.

 

University Building: includes all academic, administrative, residential, and athletic facilities located on the University of South Alabama main campus.

Use of PEMDs is permitted on the University main campus subject to Alabama law and the following:

 

 

4.1.1  PEMD operators are encouraged to register their device with the University of South Alabama Police Department (USAPD). PEMD registration may be completed online without charge by clicking HERE. Students will be contacted once the permit sticker is ready for pick-up and should display the permit sticker on the PEMD in a clearly visible location. Registration is valid from the first official day of the Fall semester to the day before the first official day of the following Fall semester and should be renewed each year the PEMD is to be operated on the University main campus.

 

4.2.1  PEMDs must be operated in a safe and courteous manner. Operators are subject to citations if operated in a manner determined to be reckless.
4.2.2  PEMDs should operate within bike lanes when available, on streets on the right side of the roadway, and campus sidewalks or shared-use paths. Operators must stay to the right on all roadways, crosswalks, pathways, and sidewalks. Operators must ride with the flow of traffic. Do not travel opposite the flow of traffic in a bike lane or on a street.
4.2.3  PEMDs should be operated at a low speed in the presence of pedestrians. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
4.2.4  PEMD operators must obey traffic and bike rules on campus, including stopping at traffic lights and stop signs.
4.2.5  PEMD operators must dismount PEMDs at crosswalks in order to be afforded pedestrian rights.
4.2.6  PEMD operators are encouraged to wear a helmet when riding.
4.2.7  The owner and/or operator of a PEMD is liable for any injuries or damages arising out of the presence, operation, or use of the PEMD while on the University main campus.

 

 

4.3.1  PEMDs should be parked in designated bike racks or designated parking spaces/areas only. PEMDs may not be parked in a manner that obstructs Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access or parking, parked in doorways, or parked so as to block exterior building ramps and stairways. An operator may bring a PEMD inside a University building temporarily (e.g., when attending class, eating at a dining location, etc.), but the PEMD must fold up into a carrying case and cannot obstruct foot traffic. No PEMDs are allowed inside any University building or residence hall for overnight storage.
4.3.2  PEMDs may not be parked in University academic or administrative buildings or athletic facilities, on a sidewalk, on turf or flowerbeds, or tied to trees, or in a manner that causes damage to University property or facilities.
4.3.3  PEMDs should be parked upright or folded on hard outdoor surfaces and, when possible, attached to bike racks.
4.3.4  The charging of PEMDs is not permitted inside University buildings or University residence halls. PEMDs may be charged at designated exterior charging stations or exterior wall-mounted outlets as long as the charging area does not obstruct pedestrian traffic.
4.3.5  To minimize the risk of personal injury and property damage, PEMDs shall not be used, possessed, charged, and/or stored anywhere on the University campus unless they bear the seal of an independent testing laboratory accredited by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

 

4.4.1  PEMDs may not be operated or stored inside any University building or University residence hall (with the exception of situations listed in section 4.3.1).
4.4.2  PEMDs are to be used for mobility purposes only. Racing, stunt, and trick riding are prohibited. Tandem riding is also prohibited.
4.4.3  PEMD operators shall not operate the device while under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substances. Violators are subject to the University Student Conduct Process and/or Alabama state law.

 

 

The University reserves the right to further limit or prohibit the use of PEMDs in order to preserve the safety of the University community.

6.1  Students found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to (1) discipline in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct, (2) penalties imposed by the USAPD or USA Parking Services, and/or (3) civil or criminal penalties.

 

6.2  Employees found to be in violation of the policy may be subject to (1) discipline in accordance with the Staff Employee Handbook, the Faculty Handbook, and other applicable policies, (2) penalties imposed by the USAPD or USA Parking Services, and/or (3) civil or criminal penalties.

 

6.3  Campus visitors found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to (1) discipline in accordance with applicable University policies, (2) penalties imposed by the USAPD or USA Parking Services, and/or (3) civil or criminal penalties.

 

6.4  Impoundment of any unattended PEMD may occur immediately without notice if the PEMD presents a safety hazard or impedes traffic. The University is not responsible for damage to a PEMD that occurs during impoundment and has no responsibility or liability to replace or make compensation for PEMDs. Impounded PEMDs must be collected by the owner within ninety (90) days. After ninety (90) days, impounded PEMDS will be deemed abandoned and disposed of by the University. Fees may be required to retrieve an impounded PEMD.