Marquette University prohibits dockless scooters on campus property 'effective immediately'

MILWAUKEE -- Marquette University leaders announced on Monday, Aug. 19 they're "prohibiting the use of motorized scooters on campus property, effective immediately."

The ban came after the Marquette University Police Department led a thorough review of the impact of dockless scooters on campus safety, officials said.

Under the new policy, all motorized scooters — including those operated by companies such as Lime, Bird, and Spin — are banned from use on any campus property, including walkways and sidewalks within the campus. The new policy also applies to other personal motorized vehicles, including but not limited to electric bicycles, electric skateboards, hoverboards, Segways, and mopeds.

 

MU Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Joel Pogodzinski issued the following statement in a news release:

Police said they'll enforce all existing city ordinances related to the use of motorized scooters or similar personal motorized vehicles on city-owned sidewalks. The city ordinance states that a fine for such a violation is $86.20. Police said enforcement of the campus policy will also be largely one of education — first-time violators will be asked to leave campus property.

Some students said they like the scooters because it's an easy way to zip across campus, and some wondered, with the ban in place, whether it would be more difficult to track one down near campus.

"I'm not happy about it," said Kole Kloostra. 'They saved me so much time through the summer. They were great. It's cheaper than a Bublr bike, and it goes faster, and I thought they were easier to use. It's not too bad, because we can keep them on the roads, but if they stop showing up around campus, then that would really suck."

In a news release, Marquette police referenced a study that found 249 people were admitted to two emergency rooms over the course of a year in connection with scooter collisions. About 92% were riders. About 30% suffered fractures, while 40% suffered head injuries.

"Personally, I'm not too upset, but I didn't use it that often, but I can see why they could be a danger to people," said Max McClelland.

A Bird spokesperson issued this statement to FOX6 News:

A Lime spokesperson issued this statement to FOX6 News:

There's also a ban on scooters like this at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.