E-Bikes on Campus: Common Policy Approaches for Schools
As students increasingly use e-bikes and e-scooters, schools are working to establish clear expectations for how and where they can be used.
As e-bikes and e-scooters become more common among students, schools are facing new safety concerns. Recent injury data has shown significant increases in micromobility-related accidents, prompting some K-12 districts and colleges to ban or restrict these devices altogether. Others are taking a different approach, developing policies designed to reduce risks while still allowing students to use e-bikes and e-scooters to travel to and from school.
Recent discussions within the NCSSD community highlighted the variety of approaches K-12 districts are taking as they develop policies and procedures for these devices.
Common E-Bike Policy Approaches
While policies vary, several common themes emerged from the discussion. Many districts allow students to use e-bikes, scooters, and similar devices to travel to and from school but place restrictions on their use once they arrive on campus.
Common approaches include:
- Restricting devices based on vehicle type, speed, or student age
- Requiring registration or documentation for certain devices
- Involving parents in enforcement efforts
- Limiting where devices may be stored during the school day
- Prohibiting use during arrival, dismissal, or passing periods
One NCSSD member shared that their district requires students riding bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, or skateboards to dismount and walk their devices once they arrive on school grounds. The goal of this policy is to reduce conflicts with pedestrians and improve safety in parking lots and other high-traffic areas.
One District's Approach to E-Bike Safety
One district shared a detailed e-bike and scooter protocol that reflects many of the themes discussed by members.
Key elements include:
- Students must walk devices onto campus
- Devices must be secured in designated locations
- Riding is prohibited during the school day
- Riding through pedestrian areas is prohibited
- Charging devices on campus is prohibited
- Students may not allow others to use their devices
- Progressive discipline is used for violations
The policy also emphasizes parent involvement, particularly when students repeatedly violate expectations.
A Growing Area of Focus
The discussion highlighted that many districts are moving away from blanket prohibitions and toward clear expectations for how and where devices can be used on campus. For many school safety leaders, the challenge is not whether students will arrive on e-bikes or scooters, but how to manage them safely once they do.
NCSSD members can access the full discussion, including a district policy currently in use, a proposed policy being presented to district leadership, and additional insights from other school safety leaders navigating this emerging issue.