By Mackenzie Prince  

Since returning to campus this school year, some University of Maryland students have identified one imminent threat to their safety: micromobility.  

With e-scooters and e-bikes, students, staff and visitors at the university have come face-to-face with micromobility concerns, including possible crashes due to negligence or lack of control of the vehicle. 

Currently, the university and its police department have regulations set in place to offset possible issues.

UMD’s Transportation Services has established a set of rules for micromobility users. E-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks or crosswalks, riders must follow all traffic laws and vehicles can only be parked in designated areas. 

In addition to reviewing these rules, students who wish to take advantage of micromobility are also encouraged to complete the online training course presented by the university. However, this training course is not mandatory. 

Despite these efforts, students continue to recognize first-hand accounts of accidents due to e-scooters and e-bikes. 

Wiley Hensley, a freshman engineering major, recounted an experience he witnessed. 

“This scooter came racing up and this girl was walking by, and they had a head-on collision,” Hensley said. “The guy on the scooter was fine, but the girl nearly fell over.” 

Hensley also said that both parties left unharmed. He explained that this experience altered his views on e-scooters and e-bikes, claiming he is now more cognizant when it comes to walking around campus. 

Nevertheless, it comes down to the rider rather than the vehicle.  

Kerrin Kelsey, a sophomore communications major, rides her scooter daily and has yet to crash. However, she has witnessed her fair share of irresponsible riders. 

“I think the actual scooter itself is safe, but depending on the rider, it can be very dangerous,” Kelsey said. “People will scooter in the opposite lane to get around campus traffic, fly through crosswalks and stop signs while looking first, and overall, just disregard basic traffic rules.” 

Kelsey added that her experience as a pedestrian has influenced the way she drives her scooter. 

“I think because I didn’t always use a scooter I have a clear perspective of a pedestrian,” Kelsey said. “When I used to walk, I would be scared of getting hit by a scooter because they were unpredictable, so now when I ride my scooter, I follow the traffic rules and I look out and move around for pedestrians.” 

Despite some riders’ ability to stay mindful, some students remain worried going into the rest of the year, especially the winter. 

Nora Hayes, a freshman studying education, has never had any issues with e-scooters or e-bikes in the past. As a freshman connection student who has late classes, she said she’s learned to be more aware of her surroundings when walking in the dark. 

“Because it’s been getting darker earlier, it has been harder to see the scooters when they are around me,” Hayes said. “I haven’t really noticed or been affected by the scooters in my first few weeks, but recently, it’s been more of an issue.” 

Micromobility isn’t leaving campus, so it’s important for both the rider and the pedestrian to do their part in keeping campus safe. 

“I feel like it’s the same problem [from] both pedestrians and scooter riders,” Kelsey said. “Everyone needs to pay more attention and follow traffic rules.”

Featured Image: Students travel by H.J. Patterson Hall with e-scooters. Photo by Theodore Rose.