This policy is established to promote personal safety for the University of Louisville (UofL) Community and prevent property damage from the use of Personal Motorized Transportation Devices. It addresses hazards to the personal safety of both operators and pedestrians as well as damage to UofL and/or personal property from the use of Personal Motorized Transportation Devices on sidewalks, pedestrian corridors, bicycle paths/lanes, and roads on and around the UofL campuses.

The University of Louisville prohibits the operation of a moped, Motor Scooter, Electric Low-Speed Scooter, motorcycle, and other Personal Motorized Transportation Devices, including Micromobility Vehicles, in UofL buildings, including residence halls and parking garage facilities, or other areas prohibited by UofL signs, state laws, or local ordinances.

Mopeds, Motor Scooters, motorcycles and internal combustion engine scooters shall not be operated on any sidewalk or pedestrian walkways. Individuals may operate Electric Low-Speed Scooters, electric skateboards, e-bikes, and Micromobility Vehicles on any pedestrian walkways or sidewalks located on UofL campuses, on public right of ways, or clearly marked bicycle paths/lanes in accordance with this policy, state laws, and local ordinances. 

Individuals should adhere to all applicable laws and ordinances, including the following rules when operating a moped, Motor Scooter, Electric Low-Speed Scooter, Micromobility Vehicle, or motorcycle (each as applicable) on the permitted areas noted above when on UofL campus: 

• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate a moped or Motor Scooter (KRS 186.410); operators of low-speed scooters must be at least sixteen (16) years of age (KRS 189.289);  
• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate a motorcycle; 
• Must park vehicles in a designated parking area for the vehicle or on public right of way;
• Must operate Personal Motorized Transportation Devices at a safe speed and yield to pedestrians at all times; 
• Must operate Micromobility Vehicles on sidewalks, designated bike lanes/paths, or roadways only; 
• Must use authorized charging stations to charge Micromobility Vehicles on UofL campus (Please note that charging e-scooters inside University buildings, including residence halls and offices, is prohibited);
• Must operate the Personal Motorized Transportation Device in a safe manner and not in a manner determined to be reckless, including operating while impaired;
• Should wear protective headgear/helmet that is properly fitted; must wear a protective helmet while operating a motorcycle if under the age of 21. 
• Should not wear earbuds, headphones, or other similar devices while operating; and
• Vehicle owners must register motorcycles, mopeds, Motors Scooters, Electric Low-Speed Scooters, and e-bikes with the University. Registration opens in early August of the academic year. Individuals are not required to register vehicles owned by third party ride-share companies. 

Parking Requirements

UofL requires mopeds, Motor Scooters, Electric Low-Speed Scooters, motorcycles, and other Personal Motorized Transportation Devices, including Micromobility Vehicles, to be parked in designated parking areas applicable to each vehicle type or on public right of ways in accordance with all applicable rules, ordinances, and statutes. E-scooters may not be brought onto shuttle buses, unless they are foldable. 

Any Personal Motorized Transportation Device found improperly parked may be cited, booted, immobilized, or impounded, and may be released and retrieved only upon payment of appropriate fines and fees to the department of Parking and Transportation. 

Examples of improper parking include, but are not limited to, parking on a sidewalk that blocks access to pedestrian flow, blocking handrails, parking on accessible ramps or other accessible pathway, parking in a pedestrian corridor, parking in a bicycle path/lane, parking in a stairwell, or at the entrance/exit of a building, parking in an area where there is maintenance activity, or parking in landscaping or courtyards. 

Impounded and Booted Micromobility Vehicles 

Micromobility Vehicles that are not parked at bike racks may be impounded immediately for improper parking. This includes devices that are blocking accessible pathways or are locked to trees, railings, gates or signs. 

Bike racks near UofL campus buildings are checked for abandoned devices on an ongoing basis. Devices that are left during the summer months or that appear abandoned (excessive rust, flat tires, missing components) will receive a warning tag. This tag indicates that the device must be moved before a set date, usually one week from the placement of the tag. If the device is not moved, it will be impounded.

Booting, impound, and storage fees will apply. Any locks used to secure an improperly parked Micromobility Vehicle may be removed and possibly damaged by UofL personnel while relocating the vehicle. The University shall not be liable for the cost of repair or replacement of locking devices. 

Unregistered Micromobility Vehicles are subject to booting or impoundment. If your Micromobility Vehicle is booted or impounded, you will have 90 calendar days to claim it from Parking and Transportation Services and you must pay any relevant citation, storage and impoundment fees. 

Please be aware that if your Micromobility Vehicle was not registered at the time of impoundment, you will be required to register it at the time of retrieval. Parking and Transportation Services is unable to return devices to individuals without proof of ownership.  

Protect Your Transportation Device from Theft

When locking your Personal Motorized Transportation Device or Micromobility Vehicle, use a u-lock. The solid steel of a u-lock is more difficult to cut than the braided steel of cable locks or the thinner steel of chain locks. The thicker the lock you purchase, the more difficult it will be to cut.

Always lock your frame to the bike rack with the u-lock. Avoid locking only the front fork or a single wheel, as this can leave the rest of the vehicle vulnerable to theft.

Operators of Personal Motorized Transportation Devices assume full responsibility for any damage to property or personal injuries resulting from their operation of such devices, including injuries to themselves or others caused by the operator’s negligence, recklessness, or failure to comply with this policy, applicable laws, or safety regulations. 

Exceptions to the Policy

Personal mobility aids (PMAs) designed to support individuals with limited mobility, such as motorized wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and walking aids with powered assistance are exempt from this policy. PMAs are permitted to be operated by persons with disabilities to provide accessibility and reasonable accommodation. Motorized ATVs, carts, lawn equipment, and similar devices are permitted to be operated by UofL employees and/or contractors in the performance of their duties. Internal combustion, or electric powered motor vehicles (such as motorized wheelchairs or lawn equipment), must yield the right of way to pedestrians in circumstances where they are authorized to operate on sidewalks, pedestrian corridors, or bicycle paths/lanes.

Compliance

Individuals in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action depending on the nature of the incident and history of previous offenses. Reports of non-compliance shall be reported to UofL Parking and Transportation Services at 852-PARK (7275) or 852-5111. Students may also be charged under the Code of Student Conduct.

KRS 186.010: Definitions

KRS 189.285: Regulations for Operating and Riding on Motorcycles

KRS 189.289 Operation of electric low-speed scooter on highway, bicycle lane, or bicycle path

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - 601 KAR 14:010: Headgear and Eye-Protective Devices

Louisville Metro Ordinance § 74.03: Operation of Motorcycles, Powered Bicycles, and Powered Micro-Mobility Vehicles

Louisville Metro Ordinance § 74.09 Operation of Mopeds; Rules and Regulations

Louisville Metro Policy – Dockless Vehicle

Map of Designated Parking Areas

Map of Designated Riding Areas with Building Index 

Personal Motorized Transportation Devices include but are not limited to electric skateboards, boosted boards, electric scooters, mopeds, Motor Scooters, motorized bicycles, e-bikes, Micromobility Vehicles, and motorcycles. 

Micromobility Vehicles are a range of lightweight, low-speed vehicles driven by users, such as e-scooters and electric skateboards. 

Electric Low-Speed Scooter means a device weighing less than one hundred (100) pounds with handlebars, a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, and an electric motor with a maximum speed of no greater than twenty (20) miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by the motor. See KRS 189.289. No operator’s license is required, but operators must be at least sixteen (16) years of age. 

Motor Scooter means a motor-driven vehicle with an engine exceeding fifty (50) cubic centimeters, and a maximum speed capability of no more than fifty (50) miles per hour on level ground. See KRS 186.010(24). Motor scooters require an operator’s license, title, registration, and insurance, and operators must wear approved headgear and eye protection. See KRS 189.2851 and 601 KAR 14:010. 

Motorcycle, Moped, Low Speed Vehicle, and Alternative Speed Motorcycle are defined in KRS 186.010.

Operators of Personal Motorized Transportation Devices are responsible for complying with state laws, local ordinances, and this policy.

University Parking and Transportation Services is responsible for enforcement of this policy and associated regulations, responding to inquiries regarding use of Personal Motorized Transportation Devices, including Micromobility Vehicles on UofL campuses, and interpretation of this policy.