{"id":290367,"date":"2026-04-28T22:09:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T22:09:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/290367\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T22:09:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T22:09:09","slug":"fresno-state-bans-motorized-scooters-and-bikes-next-semester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/290367\/","title":{"rendered":"Fresno State bans motorized scooters and bikes next semester"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fresno State is set to change the way its students and faculty move around campus.<\/p>\n

That means an end to motorized bikes and mopeds, skateboards and scooters.<\/p>\n

In an all-campus email last week, Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer Matt Hawkins said that \u201cwhile convenient,\u201d these so called e-bikes and e-scooters \u201cpose significant safety risks.\u201d Especially given the heavy pedestrian traffic and shared pathways on campus.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter convening a cross-campus committee that carefully reviewed campus safety data and incident reports, as well as actions taken by peer institutions,\u201d Hawkins wrote, \u201cthe university is updating our existing Buildings and Grounds policy.\u201d<\/p>\n

As of the fall semester, the use of \u201cmotorized vehicles\u201d will be prohibited on campus,<\/a> including resident halls and in parking areas. The policy applies to students, employees and visitors.<\/p>\n

Human-propelled bicycles, scooters and skateboards will still be allowed.<\/p>\n

\"Lillyanna Lillyanna Beltran locks up her motorized scooter outside the Fresno State Library Monday, April 27, 2026 in Fresno. Beltran said she understands the safety concern but finds her scooter is very helpful in reaching classes on time and thinks specific scooter lanes could be a solution. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com <\/p>\n

For years, the university has voiced concerns about safety<\/a> due to an increase of scooters on campus. Since 2020 at least, it has designated areas as \u201cWheels Off\u2019 zones<\/a> \u2014 high-traffic areas where riders are required to walk their bikes, scooters and skateboards.<\/p>\n

This more extensive ban comes following an increase in serious accidents involving motorized scooters in recent years, according to Hawkins\u2019 email.<\/p>\n

In a message to The Bee, the school said it is unable to provide access to individual incident reports or additional case-level details due to HIPAA and privacy considerations, but its Student Health and Counseling Center had seen 159 scooter- and skateboard-related injuries since Fall 2023. The majority of those (85-90%) were coded for motorized scooters. (approx 85-90%), with a small portion of foot-powered scooters and only a few skateboarding accidents.<\/p>\n

Of course, that figure only reflects reported incidents or those in which someone sought care, so it could be higher, according to the university.<\/p>\n

In January, a 20-year-old was hospitalized after being hit by a car<\/a> while riding a motorized scooter in a bike lane near Shaw and Maple avenue. It\u2019s not clear whether adjacent bike lanes will fall under the new policy, but the school is in the process of adding dedicated storage along the campus\u2019 perimeter, understanding that student may use motorized bikes or scooters to get to school.<\/p>\n

It is also encouraging other transportation options, such as The Bulldog Express<\/a>, a free shuttle that runs Monday to Friday, with six stops across campus.<\/p>\n

\"Designated Designated areas on Fresno State’s campus currently prohibit motorized scooters with signs as shown. Fresno State will begin a ban on all motorized scooters, skate boards and bikes starting August 19 this year. Photographed Monday, April 27, 2026 in Fresno. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com Vehicles will be confiscated<\/p>\n

Enforcement of the ban will not be punitive, at least not initially. There are no fines or citations for those found in violation, but students may be referred for breach of student conduct. Vehicles will be confiscated. Unattended e-bikes and scooters will be impounded.<\/p>\n

According to the university<\/a>, it is currently in a \u201cgrace period\u201d to allow those on campus time to adjust to the new rules. Enforcement begins Aug. 19.<\/p>\n

Students on campus are expressing mixed feelings about the ban. Those who talked with The Bee said they understand the reasoning, but find scooters helpful in getting to class on time, particularly when classes are on separate parts of campus. They wonder is there are other alternatives, perhaps even installing \u201cscooter lanes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A A student rides his motorized scooter past Fresno State’s fountain Monday, April 27, 2026 in Fresno. The university will begin a ban on all motorized scooters, skate boards and bikes starting August 19 this year. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com \"A A student unlocks their scooter at Fresno State Monday, April 27, 2026 in Fresno. The university will begin a ban on all motorized scooters, skate boards and bikes starting August 19 this year. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com \"Motorized Motorized scooters are seen locked outside Fresno State’s Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union Monday, April 27, 2026 in Fresno. Fresno State will begin a ban on all motorized scooters, skate boards and bikes starting August 19 this year. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com <\/p>\n

This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 5:30 AM.<\/p>\n

Related Stories from Fresno Bee<\/p>\n

Joshua Tehee<\/a><\/p>\n

The Fresno Bee<\/p>\n

Joshua Tehee covers breaking news for The Fresno Bee, writing on a wide range of topics from police, politics and weather, to arts and entertainment in the Central Valley.\n <\/p>\n