University Bikes & Wheels Regulations

1. All micromobility should be registered with the Texas A&M University Transportation Services.
   Registration for micromobility devices will open Fall 2023.
2. Micromobility devices equipped with an electric motor exceeding 750 watts, or 1 HP are prohibited for use on campus.
3. E-bikes not defined by the following classification are not allowed for use on campus: See Texas Transportation Code Sec. 664.001 for more information.
1. Class 1: pedal assist only with max assist speed of 20 mph
2. Class 2: throttle available with max assist speed of 20mph
3. Class 3: pedal assist only with max assist speed of 28 mph
4. Micromobility with internal combustion engines not authorized and registered as Slow Moving Vehicles through Texas A&M University Transportation Services are prohibited for use on campus.
5. No homemade or assembled devices are allowed for use on campus. See Texas Transportation Code Sec. 731.001 for more information.
6. Third Party Certification*: any devices equipped with an electric motor must be manufactured on or after January 2016 and comply, at minimum, with UL2272. Modern micromobility must comply with UL2849, established in January of 2020. At minimum, any electric motor equipped device must comply with either 2272 and/or 2849 for use and registration on university property.
7. Texas A&M University will follow all related Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC advisories and recalls related to micromobility devices. It is the owner’s responsibility to stay informed regarding any recalls or safety notices regarding their device.
8. Personal Mobility Devices authorized for use by people with disabilities may be excluded from the power restrictions listed here based on their need. Contact Texas A&M University Disability Services for more information.

*Other testing laboratories operating with licensed authority in the United States also include but are not limited to:

• Factory Mutual Laboratories (FM approved)
• Intertek’s ETL Listed Mark (ETL Listed)

1. Persons operating micromobility on campus shall practice courteous, defensive riding. This means they must give right-of-way to pedestrians, travel at safe speeds, and maintain control at all times.
2. Every micromobility user should obey regulatory signs and rules for Texas A&M University.
3. Micromobility is prohibited from being operated in parking garages, or in any areas where they are restricted by regulation or signs.
4. No micromobility user on university property, including sidewalks, bike paths, and shared use paths should exceed a speed that is reasonable and prudent. Users must consider the number of pedestrians or other micromobility present, visibility, traffic, weather, and surface conditions that exist at the time, or take action that endangers property or the safety of any person.
5. Micromobility over 750 watts (1HP) is considered non- compliant and prohibited for use on campus. Devices outside of this scope should either be registered as a motor vehicle and follow all applicable rules/ laws or relegated to use on private property only.

Micromobility parking is available throughout campus and is designated by the presence of bicycle racks. All devices must be parked within the boundaries of designated bike racks. Parking and/or placement of devices not covered under these regulations must be approved by Transportation Services.

The following are general guidelines regarding micromobility parking on campus:

1. All micromobility is to be locked to a bike rack when not in use.
2. Racks are not to be utilized as long term storage.
3. Gear, clothing (or other items) should not be left at the bicycle racks.
4. All devices shall be parked in accordance with federal, state, and local fire and safety regulations.

Micromobility shall not be parked or stored:

1. In any public area of any university building (e.g. offices, residence halls, classrooms or parking structures without a bicycle storage facility) without written permission from Facilities Management;
2. Against or fastened to any tree, plant, bush, or foliage;
3. Against or fastened to any water, steam or gas pipe, fitting, electrical fixture, fence, sign post, light pole, signaling device, railing, public seating fixture, or emergency safety device;
4. Upon or attached to any ingress/egress ramp, stairway or stairwell railing or otherwise fastened to or blocking any exit/entrance or handicap access to any university building;
5. In any other area not designated for micromobility parking or where parking is specifically prohibited by regulations or signs.

1. After the close of the spring semester all abandoned micromobility devices will be removed from on-campus racks. Those that appear to be abandoned will be impounded according to the Texas A&M University Student Rules.
2. Micromobility outside of the defined scope utilizing transportation infrastructure will be booted or impounded on sight.
3. Micromobility devices with internal combustion engines that are not registered as Slow Moving Vehicles with Transportation Services will be impounded on sight.
4. Any item that is inappropriately parked, in a state of disrepair, or appears to be abandoned is subject to booting or impoundment.
   • State of disrepair means flat tire(s), bent rims, rusted or broken chain links, broken or rusted brakes, etc., and is otherwise in poor condition.
   • Signs of abandonment include, but are not limited to, appearance of non-use, spider webs, missing parts, etc.
   • Any micromobility not locked to a university approved micromobility rack or area will be subject to impoundment or boot.
5. It may be necessary to move a device due to safety or maintenance requests. If necessary, it will be moved to a nearby bicycle rack and booted to maintain security of the device or immediately impounded.
6. In cases resulting in the removal of the chain/lock, the owner will absorb the cost of replacement.

Of particular importance is Title 7 Vehicles and Traffic:

• Subtitle A: Certification and Registration of Vehicles
  1. Sec 502.143 Other Vehicles
  2. Chapter 664- Standards for Electric Bicycles
• Subtitle J: Miscellaneous Provisions
  1. Chapter 731- Assembled Vehicles

The University Police Department is responsible for the regulation of moving vehicles and micromobility on university property.

Transportation Services is responsible for the regulation of vehicles and micromobility parking and infrastructure on university property.

What types of vehicles are considered Personal Electric Vehicles (PEVs)?

PEVs include electric or motorized scooters, electric skateboards, hoverboards, and other electric vehicles used for personal transportation and not titled and registered as a motorized vehicle by the Department of Motor Vehicles. This policy does not apply to personal electric devices designed for and used to accommodate persons with mobility restrictions.

How do I know if my PEV is allowed on campus?

To be allowed on campus your PEV must be manufactured on or after January 2016 and comply, at minimum, with UL2272. Electric motors must not exceed 750 watts, and the battery must be UL certified.

Modern micromobility must comply with UL2849, established in January of 2020. At minimum, any electric motor-equipped device must comply with either 2272 and/or 2849 for use and registration on university property.

Homemade and kit-assembled devices are prohibited on campus. See Texas Transportation Code Sec. 731.001 for more information.

Where do these regulations apply?

These regulations apply to the College Station campus and RELLIS.

What does UL certified mean?

In simple terms, UL certification is a label that confirms a product has undergone testing and conforms to the safety standards prescribed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a reputable, independent organization focused on safety science worldwide. If you want to learn more about UL certification, you can visit this website.

What if my PEV does not have UL certification or exceeds 750 watts?

If your PEV does not have UL certification or exceeds 750 watts, it is prohibited from use on campus unless it meets the requirements and is titled and registered as a motorized vehicle by the Department of Motor Vehicles. If a PEV is found parked on campus that does not meet these regulations it will be impounded.

How will motor wattage be determined by Texas A&M University?

Based on manufacturer’s publication.

How do I retrieve my PEV from the University impound?

Email bikes@tamu.edu and include your name, the brand/make/model of the PEV, its last known location, and your availability for the week.

Are there any restrictions on using PEVs inside University buildings?

PEVs are not allowed inside any Texas A&M University buildings or athletics facilities.

Where can I park my PEV on campus?

All PEVs must be parked and locked to a university bike rack when not in use. Please refer to Transportation Services Bikes & Wheels Regulations for detailed rules on parking and operating a PEV on campus.

Do I need to register my PEV with Texas A&M Transportation Services?

Yes, PEVs should be registered with Texas A&M Transportation Services and have a registration label affixed to the vehicle.

Are there any costs associated with registering my PEV?

Registration costs $10 and is valid for 10 years.

Is there a limit to the number of PEVs one person can have registered to their account?

No

At what point do modifications to PEVs categorize them as DIY (homemade and kit-assembled)?

If a device, bike, scooter is modified in any way to incorporate or enhance a drive or assist system, it is DIY. This includes, but is not limited to, modifications using secondary motors, fuel tanks, batteries, and controllers.

If a DIY PEV is created using parts certified according to the UL2272 and UL2849 guidelines, would this vehicle be allowed?

No. Guidelines 2272 and 2849 refer specifically to complete, commercially-manufactured devices therefore a DIY PEV cannot comply.

Are helmets required when riding a PEV on campus?

While not mandatory, PEV users of all ages are encouraged to wear a helmet when riding.

What traffic rules do I need to follow when operating a PEV on campus?

PEV users must operate under Texas Motor Vehicle Laws while on public roadways, including stopping at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, displaying proper illumination, and riding with the traffic flow on designated "One way" streets in designated bicycle lanes. PEV users must follow university bicycle regulations, including dismounting in designated areas.