Policy 071: Use of E-Scooters on Campus Policy

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Policy 071: USE OF E-SCOOTERS ON CAMPUS

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1.1  This policy outlines in an open and transparent way ACM’s position on the use of e-scooters, and ACM’s position on legality and safety with regard to e-scooters. 

1.2  This policy applies to all ACM campuses, including London, Guildford and Birmingham. 

2. POLICY STATEMENT

What is an e-scooter?

2.1  Electrical scooters (also known as e-scooters) come under the category of “powered transporters.” This covers a range of personal transport devices which are powered by a motor.

2.2  E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters, including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.

Illegal and dangerous use

2.3  It is not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it is illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces. Using a private e-scooter on the road or in public spaces means the user risks having the vehicle seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance. 

2.4  If a user causes serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter, the incident will be investigated in the same way as if the user were riding a motorcycle or driving a car. 

2.5  E-scooters therefore pose a significant health and safety risk when they are used on roads and in public places due to their illegal status when in use on UK roads and the unavailability of insurance cover for third party injuries. The UK government is currently reviewing the use of e-scooters, but at the current time, they are not road-legal. 

Prohibition of e-scooters on ACM campuses

2.6  Since it is illegal to use private e-scooters on public roads, to accept them being brought onto campus would be to condone their illegal use as commuting transport. ACM takes its responsibilities seriously and does not condone or encourage such use. E-scooters are therefore not allowed on ACM campuses. 

2.7  Students who bring e-scooters onto an ACM campus are in breach of the condition in paragraph 2.6 and may face a charge of misconduct under the Student Disciplinary Policy.

Fire hazard

2.8  There have been a significant number of reports in the media of spontaneous combustion of the batteries. Some cases have resulted in death due to battery explosions causing fires on premises. ACM believes it can be reasonably assumed that this is in part due to the unregulated nature of e-scooters. ACM therefore strictly prohibits e-scooters being parked or stored on campus in any way due to the concern of them posing a fire hazard. 

2.9  ACM strictly prohibits the charging of e-scooters on campus or at ACM-related events under any circumstances. Students who are found to be in breach of this rule may face a charge of serious misconduct under the Student Disciplinary Policy. 

2.10  ACM reserves the right to confiscate an e-scooter or to remove it from campus if it is considered appropriate to do so. 

Rental e-scooter trials

2.11  Trials of rental e-scooters are currently taking place in the UK. Anyone using a rental e-scooter on a public road or other public space, has to comply with the relevant road traffic legislation or they face potential prosecution.

2.12  To rent an e-scooter you must:

• meet the minimum age limit; these can vary depending on the provider, so please check with them
• hold the correct driving licence (category Q or P/M)
• create an account with the rental company

2.13  E-scooters can only be used in approved areas on public roads. 

2.14  Rental e-scooters must not be brought onto campus and must be parked in a public space with consideration at all times to members of the public and in a way that does not cause a hazard or obstruction. E-scooters must be parked according to the rules of the rental company. 

2.15  Parking rental scooters on campus increases the likelihood of the e-scooter being abandoned, thereby increasing the likelihood of it becoming a hazard. Students who park e-scooters on campus are in breach of paragraph 2.13 and may face a charge of misconduct under the Student Disciplinary Policy. 

3. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

3.1  The policy lead is responsible for the cyclical monitoring and review of the policy in liaison with the Quality Assurance and Enhancement Manager. 

The Use of E-scooters on Campus policy lead is:

• Head of Facilities 

3.2 Decisions and appropriate actions in support of the implementation of the Policy will be authorised by the following designated staff:

• Campus Leads or their designated person(s)
• Head of Facilities, Facilities Lead or Facilities Supervisor 
• Campus security team
• Quality Assurance and Enhancement Manager 

4. REFERENCE POINTS

4.1 Internal:

• Student Disciplinary Policy

4.2 External:

• Road Traffic Act 1988
• Metropolitan Police: Advice on using e-scooters 

5. DATE OF APPROVAL AND NEXT REVIEW

Version:                   1.0

Approved on:          01 September 2025

Approved by:          Academic Board

Next Review:          August 2026

Download this document: POL_071_Use of E-Scooters on Campus Policy