In the last term, we have seen an increasing number of e-scooters on campus. They're considered a fun and environmentally friendly way of moving around, and very useful when you're rushing from one class or meeting to another in a different building.
Unfortunately, the number of near-accidents and more serious incidents due to e-scooters has also increased. Last year, an e-scooter rider collided with a metal fence on a footpath at Falmer railway station, just outside campus, and sadly died a few weeks later as a result of their injuries.
Estates and Facilities staff have also found e-scooters in university accommodation, breaching the Housing Tenancy agreement. We’re particularly concerned that e-scooters are being stored in corridors and hallways, blocking escape routes in case of an emergency evacuation; and that they're left unattended while charging, becoming a fire hazard due to their lithium-ion batteries.
Additionally, it's not possible to get third party insurance for privately-owned e-scooters. This is one of the essential requirements for any motor vehicle to enter the University estate, which means e-scooters are not legally permitted on campus.
The University has a duty of care to everyone in our community. From 1 January, any e-scooters found on campus and university buildings (both on and off-campus) will be removed.
So, if you have an e-scooter make sure to take it with you when you go home for the holidays. As an alternative, you can ride a bicycle or a normal scooter. They're more sustainable and you exercise at the same time.
To find out more, you can read the University guidance on A to Z section of the Health and Safety webpages, under transport.
Please, note that, under the law, e-scooters are not allowed to circulate on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes in most places in the UK, including Brighton and Hove. If you’re found riding one, you can get fined!