By: Cierra Tadda & Matt Bertram
Electric scooters are a popular and efficient way to get around UNC’s beautiful campus. They offer a quick and fun way to commute to class, explore the area, and get to where you need to be. However, with great convenience comes great responsibility.
Recently, we’ve noticed a growing issue with scooters being left in front of entryways, stairwells, benches, and doorways across campus. While electric scooters are a fantastic mode of transportation, improper storage can pose significant safety hazards. Blocked doorways and pathways can delay emergency responses and prevent quick evacuation in the event of an emergency. Additionally, obstructing ADA entrances hinders access for students who rely on these pathways, making it difficult for them to navigate campus safely and conveniently. Beyond safety concerns, cluttering these areas diminishes the aesthetic appeal of our campus, detracting from the beauty that we all cherish.
To keep our campus safe and accessible, we ask that all students store their electric scooters in designated areas. UNC provides plenty of bike racks throughout campus, which offer secure and convenient storage for your scooter when it’s not in use. By using these racks, you help keep our walkways clear and ensure that everyone can move freely around campus.
It is crucial to avoid storing scooters in prohibited areas that create hazards, such as inside residence halls, in walkways, or in front of doorways. Storing scooters in residence halls is strictly prohibited by Carolina Housing due to the fire hazard they pose. ADA entrances, in particular, must always remain clear to ensure that students with disabilities have unobstructed access. Additionally, please refrain from plugging your scooter into outdoor outlets near building entrances, as this can also block doorways and impede foot traffic.
We all play a role in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and accessible campus environment. By being mindful of where you store your electric scooter, you contribute to keeping our campus hazard-free and accessible for everyone. Let’s work together to ensure that our pathways remain clear, and our campus stays beautiful.
If you have any questions or concerns about the proper storage of electric scooters, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us via phone, email, or stop by our office. We’re here to help!