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Micromobility & E-Scooter Safety at UC Merced

UC Merced is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our entire campus community. As micromobility options like electric scooters, e-bikes and skateboards become more popular, it's important for all users to understand and follow the rules of the road, both for personal safety and community responsibility.

This page provides essential guidelines on operating electric scooters and micromobility devices in accordance with California law and UC Merced campus policies.

What is a Motorized Scooter?

According to California Vehicle Code (CVC) 407.5(a), a motorized scooter is defined as:

  • A two-wheeled device
  • Equipped with handlebars and a floorboard to stand on
  • Powered by an electric motor
California Laws for E-Scooter Riders

Under CVC 21235, all motorized scooter riders in California must:

  • Hold a valid driver license
  • Ride on the road only — scooters are not permitted on sidewalks
  • Park scooters without blocking pedestrian paths
  • Do not ride with passengers — one person per scooter

Note: Under CVC 21221, motorized scooters are required to follow all standard traffic laws, just like cars.
Violations may result in traffic tickets and points on your driver license.

Parking & Impound Policy

Scooters must be parked only in designated areas. Do not block:

  • Sidewalks
  • ADA pathways or ramps
  • Building entrances
  • Stairways

Scooters locked to ADA ramps or pathways will be impounded immediately.
Owners may be subject to fines and penalties.

Safe Riding Tips
  • Helmets save lives. Always wear a helmet when riding.
  • Obey traffic signals — stop at red lights and yield to pedestrians.
  • Stay off sidewalks and never ride through crosswalks.
  • Walk your scooter in designated dismount zones.
  • Park scooters in approved racks or zones only.
Charging Your Personal E-Scooter

If you own a personal e-scooter, please follow these charging safety guidelines:

  • Use scooters that meet UL 2272 safety certification.
  • Never charge unattended or overnight — only while you're present.
  • Don’t charge immediately after riding — wait at least 30 minutes.
  • Keep away from direct heat or sunlight while charging.
  • Use the manufacturer’s charger — avoid third-party options.
  • Turn off your scooter while it's charging.
Additional Safety Reminders
  • Stay alert — you may not be seen or heard by other vehicles.
  • Ride defensively and use caution.
  • Use common sense — scooters are motorized vehicles, not toys.

Need More Info?

For additional details on micromobility rules or campus vehicle regulations, please read the notification to campus regarding the Interim Micromobility Device Policy (10-13-25): 
 

 
 

INTERIM MICROMOBILITY DEVICE POLICY NOW IN EFFECT FOLLOWING INCREASE IN COLLISIONS

To: All campus

October 13, 2025



To the campus community:

In the first weeks of the semester, UC Merced has experienced a significant rise in collisions involving micromobility devices—such as electric scooters, e-bikes and skateboards—resulting in injuries that required medical attention and ambulance transport. While these devices are a sustainable and convenient way to travel short distances, their growing presence on campus has created safety risks for both riders and pedestrians.

To address these concerns, the University has issued an Interim Policy on Micromobility Devices, effective October 13, 2025. This policy establishes clear expectations for the use, parking, storage, and charging of micromobility devices on campus, in alignment with California law and UC systemwide safety standards. The policy will guide campus behavior immediately while the University seeks feedback to help shape the final version.

Although this is an interim measure, compliance is required and enforcement has begun. Riders who violate policy provisions—including operating devices on sidewalks or in pedestrian zones, exceeding the 15 mph campus speed limit, or parking in unauthorized areas—may face citations, fines up to $500, impoundment of devices, and possible disciplinary action. These measures are necessary to protect the safety and accessibility of all members of our community.

At the same time, UC Merced invites thoughtful input from students, faculty and staff to ensure the final policy reflects our collective values of safety, accessibility and sustainability. Comments may be submitted anonymously through this survey by January 12, 2026. Additional educational resources and a dedicated website are being developed to help the community understand and follow the policy.

We ask all members of the UC Merced community to carefully review the full Interim Micromobility Devices Policy and observe its requirements. Questions may be directed to Campus Risk Manager Cindi Zimmerman at czimmerman3@ucmerced.edu or 209-386-3079.

By taking these necessary precautions, we can foster a campus environment that is safe, sustainable and respectful for all who learn, work and visit here.