What is micromobility?
Micromobility refers to small, low-speed vehicles intended for personal use. These devices include e-scooters, electric bikes, hoverboards, and one-wheels.
Experts refer to users of these devices as “vulnerable road users” because the devices do not afford the same physical protections as a car or truck, and these users are also likely to be less visible.
Before You Ride: Micromobility Safety Guide
Follow the rules of the road.
Generally, all wheeled vehicles on the roadway in Georgia are expected to follow the rules of the road. This includes stopping for red lights and stop signs and giving the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Anyone operating a wheeled vehicle in the roadway can be cited for breaking the law.
When accessing sidewalks or crosswalks, users must walk with their e-powered vehicles. Sidewalks and crosswalks are reserved for pedestrian use and not for actively riding a scooter, skateboard, or hoverboard / one-wheel device.
Remember to always park and store all gear in designated racks. Scooters left in the wrong areas often block railings and accessible pathways.
Wear a helmet.
Head injuries are particularly dangerous for vulnerable road users and research shows that wearing a helmet makes a significant difference in the event of an accident. Data illustrates that the clear majority of bicyclists who were involved in fatal accidents were not wearing helmets. It’s simple, helmets save lives.
Look out for one another.
As a community, we Dawgs need to look out for each other. Drivers pedestrians, cyclists, and riders of scooters, hoverboards, and skateboards need to be aware of other road users and drive safely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration makes it simple: “A large percentage of crashes can be avoided if motorists and cyclists [and scooter and hoverboard riders] follow the rules of the road and watch out for each other.”
Watch the video below for additional tips on using a micromobility device on campus.
UGA’s Electric Micromobility Device Policy
Excerpt from University of Georgia Transportation and Parking Services: Rules and Regulations
- Electric micromobility devices are not allowed inside of University of Georgia buildings, or on UGA buses.
- Wheeled personal vehicles, to include bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and electric micromobility devices, may not be used on walkways in designated “mandatory dismount areas” of campus, 8-5, Monday through Friday. The mandatory dismount areas are highlighted in the Campus Dismount Zone map (PDF).
- An electric micromobility device is defined as any small, low-speed, electric-powered transportation device, including bicycles, scooters, electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), and other small, lightweight, wheeled conveyances (FHWA definition). Wheelchairs and other mobility devices used by persons with disabilities are excluded from this definition, as are vehicles being used for official UGA business.
Micromobility FAQs
Can I ride my e-scooter/electric bike/hoverboard on the sidewalk?
No. Georgia law requires that all micromobility users ride on the road or in bike lanes. Sidewalks and crosswalks are reserved for pedestrian use. If you need to utilize a sidewalk or crosswalk, you must dismount and walk with your device.
Can I bring my e-scooter/electric bike/hoverboard inside campus buildings?
Micromobility devices are not permitted inside campus buildings. Instead, you can park your device in a designated bike rack outside of the building.