Micromobility e-Device Safety

The popularity of electric bikes and electric scooters (e-bikes and e-scooters) has taken off and personal device ownership is increasing across campus. Powered by battery, specifically lithium-ion batteries, these devices are handy for faster travel than on foot, but if not used correctly, or damaged even, those batteries can catch on fire or explode. Whether you use e-bikes, e-scooters or other micromobility devices to travel on campus, there are important safety practices to consider when charging, storing or disposing of these devices.

Campus Expectations

Walk Your Wheels on Walkways

  • e-Scooters, motorcycles and mopeds are not allowed on the Greenway.  Exceptions may be granted to emergency vehicles.
  • If you choose to take a scooter onto campus walkways or green spaces, you must dismount and ‘walk your wheels’.

Park Appropriately

  • Personally owned scooters/e-scooters require bike permits and should be parked (and locked) at bike racks or dedicated parking infrastructure locations. 
  • Scooters should not be parked against or attached to trees, railings, light poles or signposts and may be impounded.
  • Do not park scooters in a way that will obstruct pedestrian or accessibility/ADA access.
  • Scooters should not be brought inside residence halls or other University buildings for storage or use.
  • Devices may not be charged in university parking garages or in other University buildings without an approved accessibility request via DASA Disability Resource Office, Office of Equal Opportunity and/or University Human Resources.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), practice these safety tips;

  •  Ensure that all items are UL listed.
  • Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
  • Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
  • Only use the battery and the charger that were designed for, and came with, the device.
  • Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
  • Only charge one device or device battery at a time to prevent overloading the circuit.
  • Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
  • Do not store batteries in direct sunlight or inside hot vehicles, and keep them away from children and liquids.
  • Store e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries away from exit doors and anything that can get hot or catch fire.
  • Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.
  • Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal  instructions.

(This information is available in a printable poster for display)

Exceptions

NC State Fire and Life Safety provides resources for prevention and best practice to mitigate potential problems. Special need use exceptions will be reviewed with campus partners in DRO, OIED and the University Fire Marshal. Devices cannot be indoors unless approved from Fire and Life Safety. For assistance, contact the Fire and Life Safety team at 5-2568.

Signs of a Problem

Stop using the e-bike or e-scooter if you notice any of these problems with the battery:

  • unusual odor
  • change in color
  • too much heat or hot to touch
  • change in shape
  • leaking
  • smoking
  • not keeping a charge.