Corporate Compliance Directorate Health & Safety Team GN 25 - Electrically Powered Cycles and Scooters Safety Guid ance C ONTENTS : 1. I NTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE 2. S COPE 3. T HE CURRENT LEGAL POSITION 4. U SE , STORAGE AND CHARGING 5. R OLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 6. E XCEPTIONS 7. A MENDMENTS A PPENDIX A FAQ ’ S VERSION 1 AUTHOR/ OWNER Head Health and Safety Approved Date August 2023 Review Date August 2026 1. Introduction and purpo se The University recognises that alternative forms of low carbon transport are the future and that electrically powered cycles (e - bikes) and scooters (e - scooters) are becoming increasingly commonplace. This sa fety guidance has been developed to ensure t hat all member s of the University community are aware of and understand the University’s position on e - bikes and e - scooters in terms of them being brought onto university property and grounds. 2. Scope Th is safety guidance applies to all staff, either directly or indirectly employed by the University, all students, apprentice learners, visitors, consultants, contractors, and sub - contractors whilst on university owned and controlled (rented or leased) property. Those vehicles sometimes referred to as s cooters used for mobility assistance are not included within the scope of this policy. 3. The current legal position e - bikes: on the proviso that the cycle meets certain criteria within the electrically assisted pedal cycles regulations and is classed as an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) it can be ridden on any cycle path and anywhere else that bikes are normally allowed. There are limitations and requirements for other cycles that do not meet this criterion , details of which can be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/24/pdfs/uksi_20150024_en.pdf e - scooters: i n the UK, you are legally entitled to buy, sell, and own an electric scooter. However, i t is currently illegal in the UK to use an electric scooter on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes . Electric scooters can only be legally used in the UK on private la nd with the permission of the landowner. 4 U se, storage and charging e - bikes: e - bikes are permitted for use in line with other forms of pedal cycles, they can be parked/stored using the available cycle storage located around the un iversity estate. Storage within university premises is not permitted. Charging within university premis es is not permitted, this includes for those cycles with removable batteries. e - scooters: the use of, parking/storage of and charging of e - scooters is n ot permitted on any university premises, this includes for residential premises. 5. Roles and resp onsibilities Deans, Professional Service Directors : • Ensure implementation of this safety guidance in their areas of responsibility. Academic Heads, Line managers, Facilities and Residential Managers: • Ensure implementation of this safety guidance in th e ir areas of responsibility. • Ensure all staff, students and visitors have access to this safety guidance 6. Excepti ons The use of mobility scooters and powered wheelchai rs is not included within th e scope of this safety guidance A mobility scooter i s defined as an electric ally powered vehicle designed for people with restricted mobility, typically those who are elderly or disabled 7. Amendments The University may review and update this safety guidance at any time, when appropriate. Where a ny safe ty guidance is not due f or review, but is found to require updating, it will remain published, unless the reasons fo r review render it obsolete. Appendix A FAQ ’ s Can I use my e - scooter on campus? No, using e - scooters is prohibited on all campus es , t hey can only be used o n private land with the landowner's permission. If you are found using an e - scooter on campus or anywhere that is not private land with the landholder’s pe rmission, you are breaking th e law. If you are caught riding an e - scooter on a public highway, paveme nt, or cycle lane it could be seized by the police. You could then be reported for driving offences which would lead to significant penalty points and a fi ne. Can I use my e - bike on ca mpus? Yes, it can be ridden on any cycle path an d anywhere else that b ikes are normally allowed on the proviso that the cycle meets certain criteria within the electrically assisted pedal cycles regulations and is classed as an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) Can I ride my e - bike on the publi c roads? Yes, you can ride your bike on roads and paths in the UK as long as your bike is limited to 15.5mph and has a max imum power of 250 watts. Any electric bike that excee ds the above is classed as a motorcycle or moped and is subject to different ru les. What should I do if I have an accident on my e - bike on campus? Please report any accidents or incident s that may h a p p e n o n c a m p u s v i a the online accident reporting system The Univers ity of Wol verhampton d oes not accept any liability for any incident involving an e - bike, so please remember you are personally liable for any harm or d amage caused by an accident/incident. Can I store my e - bike indoors on campus ? No. Please store your e - bike outside only in the cycle racks. We’d recommend that you ensure your e - bike is securely locked. Can I cha rge my e - scooter or e - bike battery on campus? E - scooter or e - bike batteries should not be charged on campus. as batteries present a fire risk s ee fire service guidance I live in campus accommodation. Can I keep my e - bike or e - scooter in my room? No. Your accommod ation isn’t suitable f or keeping outdoor vehicles in as the y pose a fire risk Please keep your e - bike in the cycle racks locate d across our campuses It is your responsibility to ensure you have securely locked your e - bike in the cycle racks. E - sco oters are not permitted on U niversity premises. People found using e - bikes or e - scooters in an anti - social manner may be subject to dis ciplinary action.