UNO Campus Policies

Scope

This policy applies to all Students, Faculty, Staff, University Affiliates, Contractors, and Campus Visitors.

Devices used to accommodate individuals with disabilities are classified as personal mobility devices and are exempt from this policy.

Policy Statement

This policy provides direction to UNO’s community regarding the use of Personal Transportation Devices (PTDs) by establishing rules and expectations for their use and storage.

Reason for Policy

The increase in PTD use and speed has created an increasing risk for collision and injury – particularly with respect to pedestrian traffic. Battery supplied PTDs also pose indoor fire risks. This policy was created to establish standards of operation for PTDs and to safeguard our campus community from high-speed collisions and facilities damage.

Procedures

General Expectations

1. Motorized PTDs are prohibited in all university buildings due to the increased fire risk they present.
2. PTDs of any kind may NOT be used inside of any university buildings.
3. Traffic Flow -- Pedestrians determine the rate of traffic flow. PTD operators must reduce speed to not exceed the flow of traffic. Riders must also move with the traffic flow without disrupting it, which may necessitate dismounting.
4. Three Feet to Pass -- Riders shall not come within less than three (3) feet of pedestrians while riding. If riders cannot pass pedestrians while maintaining the three-foot minimum distance, they shall dismount and walk to their destination or walk to a less-busy path to resume riding.
5. All wheels of the PTD must be contacting the pavement when in operation. Operators will not perform tricks, drive recklessly, or drive distracted.
6. PTDs operated on university streets must follow all traffic laws, posted signs, and signals.

Bicycles

Motorized and non-motorized bicycles are permitted on campus streets and sidewalks. Bicyclists must remain on paved surfaces and when passing pedestrians, provide a minimum of 3’ of clearance.  In times of heavy pedestrian traffic or when sidewalks are congested due to construction or restrictions, bicyclists should dismount and walk their bicycles. Properly fitted bicycle helmets are recommended.

Scooters

Motorized and non-motorized scooters are permitted on campus sidewalks. Scooters must remain on paved surfaces and when passing pedestrians, provide a minimum of 3’ of clearance.  In times of heavy pedestrian traffic or when sidewalks are congested due to construction or restrictions, scooter riders should dismount and walk. Properly fitted bicycle helmets are recommended.

Moped

Mopeds are prohibited on campus sidewalks and should be parked in motorcycle parking areas within campus parking lots.    When utilizing mopeds on campus streets, the following safety guidelines should be followed:

1. Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.
2. Have a valid driver’s license.

Hoverboards, One Wheels, Skateboards, In-line Skates, and Roller Skates

Hoverboards, one wheels, motorized and non-motorized skateboards, in-line skates, and roller skates are permitted to be used on campus sidewalks. In times of heavy pedestrian traffic or when sidewalks are congested due to construction or restrictions, riders should dismount and walk.  Inline skaters and roller skaters should slow down to match the speed of pedestrians.

Personal Transportation Device Parking and Storage

• PTDs will be parked at designated bicycle racks and shall not restrict access to any other transportation devices. Chaining or securing a PTD to any object or structure other than a bicycle rack is prohibited.
• PTDs should not be parked in such a way that they block sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, ADA access, vehicle parking spaces, building entrances, or impede the work of the university (mowing, snow removal, etc.).
• PTDs must not be parked in automobile parking spaces, the street, or lawn areas or flowerbeds.
• Small manual powered PTDs that can be easily carried or stored on one’s person (such as skateboards, roller skates, and collapsible scooters) are permitted to be brought into university buildings as long as they are not operated there and do not interfere with normal classroom or building access. All others are required to be stored outside of university buildings at designated bike racks. Small manual powered PTDs are permitted to be stored inside university residence buildings as long as they follow the above provisions.

Enforcement

Instances of non-compliance with or violation or breach of this policy will constitute a violation of UNO campus policy and may lead to disciplinary action consistent with that action, up to and including termination or expulsion.

Definitions

A Personal Transportation Device (PTD) is any small-scale vehicle designed to carry a single individual (sometimes two) over short to moderate distances. These devices are typically compact, lightweight, and easy to operate, making them suitable for personal mobility in urban, campus, or recreational environments. They may be powered by human effort (e.g., bicycles), electric motors (e.g., e-scooters), or other small propulsion systems.

Additional Contacts

Related Information

Motorized scooters shall obey all traffic laws of the State of Nebraska and the City of Omaha.  A motorized scooter shall not be operated on any city sidewalk.  Details of motorized scooter operation violation are viewable from the City of Omaha Municipal Code, Section 36-146.

History

New policy approved by Executive Leadership on December 2, 2025.