Powered transporters and e-bikes OBU-HAS-PROC-20.00

1.1 This document provides information on and Oxford Brookes University's position on the use of powered mobility devices, it is intended to inform and includes using, charging, and storing them. The charging of lithium-ion batteries in relation to mobility devices is also covered.

1.2 There is no specific legislation for powered transporters. The laws that apply to motor vehicles apply to powered transporters. 

1.3 The definition of “motor vehicle” as set out in the Road Traffic Act 1988 is “any mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads”.  There is case law confirming that powered transporters fall within this definition. It is illegal to use a powered transporter

• on a public road without complying with a number of legal requirements.
• in spaces that are set aside for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-riders; this includes on the pavement and in cycle lanes. Further information is available

1.4 Any person who uses a powered transporter on a public road or other prohibited space in breach of the law, is committing a criminal offence and can be prosecuted. It is legal to use a powered transporter on private land but only with the permission of the landowner.

2.1 This procedure applies to all staff, students, visitors and contractors. It applies to all buildings and grounds owned or controlled by OBU. Cycles and scooters, whether powered or not, are not permitted to be brought into University buildings. They can be stored in the designated cycle facilities (non powered folding bikes are the exception).

2.2 Powered transporters (are prohibited from being stored or charged or the detached batteries stored or charged in University buildings or halls accommodation.

2.3 OBU campuses and Halls Accommodation are on private land. Powered transporters are not granted permission to be used, stored or charged on land owned or controlled by OBU.   

2.4 Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs (medical devices) are allowed on campus and within buildings.  

3.1 Powered transporters: are devices which are propelled by a motor, as well as/instead of being manually propelled. It includes e-scooters, segways, hoverboards, and unicycles. It does not include electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), or ebike, or Pedelec.

3.2 E-scooters are classified as a compact, lightweight, two-wheeled, personal electric vehicle that's designed for short-distance transportation in urban areas.

3.3 Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (or EAPC, ebike, or Pedelec): to be classified as this, the bike must:

• be fitted with pedals that propel it;
• have an electric motor that won't assist the rider when they’re travelling more than 25 km/h (15.5mph); and
• have a maximum continuous rated power of the electric motor not exceeding 250 Watts.

3.4 Speed Pedelec (Spedelec) are bikes that meet the following criteria:

• e-bike which exceeds the 25 km/h (15.5 mph) speed limit or 250w power limit and is treated as a motorcycle or moped.
• Produced by a manufacturer with UK government approval.
• e-bike must be registered and taxed.
• rider must hold a driving licence and wear a crash helmet to ride it.  

3.5 Powered Wheelchairs, and Mobility Scooters: medical devices for those who cannot walk or who have difficulty walking. There are three types defined in 'The Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988’. Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are single-seat vehicles with 3 or more wheels with a battery.

4.1 The Deans of Faculties/Directors of Directorates are responsible for:

• Ensuring there is a process for disseminating this procedure within their Faculties/Directorates.

4.2 Director of Estates and Campus Services is responsible for 

• Ensuring there are appropriate processes within the Residential teams to inform students of the requirements of this procedure.

4.3 Users of Powered Transporters and E-Bikes are responsible for

• Ensuring they use their vehicles e-bike in accordance with the relevant legislation/codes.
• Using the vehicle in a responsible manner with due regard for the safety of other users of the space.
• Using appropriate safety measures (such as lights) when necessary.

5.1 All forms of electrically powered transporters are prohibited from use within OBUs managed or owned buildings and on OBUs managed or owned land. This restriction does not apply to the use of E-Bikes or electric mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs.

5.2 E-Bike batteries must not be stored or charged anywhere on-site including residencies. Users can bring the undamaged battery with them whilst they are on site, but the batteries must never be left unattended. Batteries must not be allowed to overheat (e.g. by placing them in direct sunlight or next to a radiator) and any unattended battery will be removed from site for disposal.

Electric Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs

5.3 Guidance is provided in Appendix 1 on the charging and storage of these devices at OBU including residencies. These devices may be used within OBUs managed or owned buildings, accommodation and land and guidance is given on the charging and storing of such devices in Appendix 1.

5.4 This guidance will be provided to users of these devices through the Residential Services Team (students) and through the Personal Emergency Evacuation Process (staff and students).

5.8 It is strongly recommended that all users follow the manufacturer’s guidance for charging their devices.

6.1 There are no specific training requirements associated with this procedure.

7.1 This procedure will be reviewed every three years or before if it is evident that changes are required.

8.1 Road Traffic Act 1988

8.2 Government Information Sheet on Powered transporters

8.3 Electric e-bike rules

8.4 Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs on the road – Department of Transport

8.5 Equality Act 2010