How to get help in an emergency
To the Dartmouth community,
A healthy and safe university environment is fundamental to achieving excellence in learning, teaching, working, residential living, and research. To meet this standard of excellence, Dartmouth creates policies and best practices to integrate health, safety, and environmental considerations systematically across campus. As part of this work, we are announcing updates regarding the use of e-bikes and e-scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Dartmouth joins other higher education institutions nationwide in responding to safety concerns related to battery fires posed by these micromobility vehicles (MMVs). In 2023, Underwriter’s Laboratory reported that MMVs were involved in 1,334 fires and 78 explosions.
For the safety of our campus community and to comply with fire and life safety regulatory codes, Dartmouth is implementing an immediate ban on storing or leaving unattended MMVs such as e-bikes and e-scooters in egress pathways (hallways, stairwells, lounges exit doors, porches, breezeways, and fire escapes), all of which must remain unobstructed.
Also effective immediately, MMVs are not to be left unattended while charging. The charging of e-bike and e-scooter batteries will be temporarily permitted in offices and residential dorm rooms provided that the MMVs are not charged in a location that impedes the room's entrance or exit, and they may not be left unattended while charging.
If an MMV is found in an egress pathway it will be impounded by the Department of Safety and Security at a secure location on campus. To retrieve an MMV, you will need to contact DoSS at 603-646-4000.
We are working to implement outdoor charging and storage solutions for MMVs in the coming months and will provide an update on appropriate charging protocols once the infrastructure is installed.
All members of the Dartmouth community have a responsibility to contribute to a healthy and safe environment. With this as our goal, we will continue to gather input from students, faculty, and staff on the use of e-bikes and e-scooters on campus.
Sincerely,
Josh Keniston
Senior Vice President for Capital Planning and Campus Operations
Annette Chism
Director of Environmental Health and Safety
