SRU issues hoverboard policy
Feb. 2, 2016
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University has joined an ever-growing list of colleges and universities across the country that have banned or restricted Hoverboards on their campuses. The University cabinet passed a formal policy Feb. 1 banning such devices from being used, charged or stored on campus.
The policy concerning Hoverboards, which goes into effect immediately, states in part:
"To minimize the risk of personal injury and property damage upon the campus, ALL self-balancing, personal electronic transportation devices, also referred to as battery-operated scooters or hands-free Segway-like scooters or powerboards, and more popularly known as Hoverboards, are prohibited from use, possession, charging and/or storage on campus. This includes any property owned, leased or controlled by the University."
Officials said recent safety concerns identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the associated risks of fire, falls and injuries to riders and pedestrians made it unsafe to allow the storage or use of these devices on campus.
The policy applies to all students, faculty, staff and visitors to the campus.
"At the forefront of all we do," said Amir Mohammadi, SRU's vice president of finance, administrative affairs and advancement services, "is the concern we have for the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and this is one more example of that.
"This conversation is being held at campuses across the country, and most institutions are doing as we are in order to minimize risk and damage, while keeping everyone's well-being at the top of the list."
Hoverboards, which are made by several manufacturers, have already been banned by the three largest U.S. airlines - American, Delta and United - citing potential fire danger from the lithium-ion batteries that power them.
In addition to their not being welcome at numerous other campuses across the country, the devices also are prohibited on New York City streets, and a new law in California requires riders to be at least 16 and wear a helmet in public.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that it's investigating 28 fires in 19 states associated with the motorized scooters.
Responsibility for implementation of the SRU policy is a campuswide effort involving the Offices of Student Conduct, Residence Life, Human Resources and the University Police where applicable.
The full policy is available for download at: https://www.sru.edu/Documents/offices/HR/hoverboard-policy.pdf
MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robert.king@sru.edu