Why Penn State asked students to leave e-scooters at home when returning from break
Penn State police are asking students not to bring electric scooters, or e-scooters, back to campus when they return from spring break, warning that they’ll be ramping up enforcement of a policy that prohibits e-scooters on campus.
In a post on Facebook, Penn State University Police and Public Safety wrote enforcement of Penn State Policy PS03 will be heightened after break and penalties range between a referral to the BEEP educational program and a more than $225 motor vehicle fine.
The PS03 policy, or Regulations for Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices, states: “Motor driven devices (e-scooters, e-boards, etc.) that do not meet the PA Vehicle Code requirements for operation on a public highway are prohibited from use on University property; to include buildings, roadways, sidewalks, bike paths and shared pathways.”
The policy defines “motor driven device” in part as “devices propelled by internal combustion, battery, or other mechanical or electro-mechanical means.” E-scooters are prohibited from being used on university property, which includes in buildings, on roadways, sidewalks, bike paths and shared pathways.
The notably heightened enforcement is meant to uphold campus safety and adherence to all relevant laws.
“Compliance with these regulations is crucial for ensuring the safety of everyone in our community,” a spokesperson for University Police told the Centre Daily Times earlier this year.
In 2023, a spokesperson told the CDT the university had a ban on motor-driven devices like scooters in part because “the design of the e-throttle powered electric motors of e-scooters, when combined with a user’s weight, there is not an inherently reliable way for the user to slow or stop their trajectory without endangering themselves and those around them.”
Still, e-scooters are often seen zooming across campus, and it has not been without incident. In a lawsuit filed against Penn State and a football player in 2024, a father said his 6-year-old son was seriously injured when hit by an e-scooter operated by the Penn State football player. The case was discontinued in 2025.
Questions regarding transportation options on campus can be directed to Transportation Services at 814-865-1436.
