MICROMOBILITY FAQS

1. What is micromobility?

2. Where can I learn more about safe practices surrounding micromobility?

3. What are the regulations for micromobility vehicles?

4. WHY ARE RESIDENT STUDENTS PROHIBITED FROM BRINGING ELECTRIC MICROMOBILITY VEHICLES TO CAMPUS?

5. HOW WILL THIS RESIDENT STUDENT RESTRICTION BE ENFORCED? 

6. I LIVE IN AN OFF-CAMPUS PROPERTY. MAY I BRING MY E-SCOOTER/E-BIKE TO CAMPUS?

7. HOW WILL I GET AROUND WITHOUT AN E-SCOOTER OR E-BIKE?

8. WHAT VEHICLES ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED?

9. HOW DO I REGISTER MY E-SCOOTER/E-BIKE ?

10. DOES MY REGISTRATION EXPIRE?

11. I REGISTERED PREVIOUSLY, BUT MY REGISTRATION HAS EXPIRED. DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE MICROMOBILITY AT UMD TRAINING?

12. WHY IS REGISTRATION REQUIRED ON THESE VEHICLES?

13. WHAT IS THE COST TO REGISTER? 

14. HOW DOES REGISTRATION MAKE CAMPUS MORE SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE?

15. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REGISTRATION FOR THE VEHICLE OWNER?

16. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T REGISTER? 

17. WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER?

18. HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO REGISTER?

19. I REGISTERED LAST YEAR, AND MY EXPIRATION DOESN’T EXPIRE UNTIL 2026. DO I HAVE TO RE-REGISTER NOW?

20. I'M VISITING CAMPUS AND AM PLANNING TO BRING MY E-SCOOTER/E-BIKE. DO I NEED TO REGISTER? 

21. WHAT DO I DO IF MY E-SCOOTER OR E-BIKE IS BOOTED OR IMPOUNDED?

22. I AM DONE WITH MY E-BIKE/E-SCOOTER–HOW CAN I DISPOSE IT SAFELY?

23. WHAT IF I SELL OR GIVE MY VEHICLE AWAY?

24. WHAT DO I DO IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A MICROMOBILITY VEHICLE (BICYCLE, E-BIKE, E-SCOOTER, ETC.)?

25. HOW DO I FILE A POLICE REPORT FOR A MICROMOBILITY COLLISION?

26. WHAT DO I DO IF I WITNESS A MICROMOBILITY USER RIDING THEIR DEVICE UNSAFELY (NOT STOPPING AT STOP SIGNS, WEAVING THROUGH TRAFFIC, RIDING IN PEDESTRIAN AREAS, NOT YIELDING FOR PEDESTRIANS, ETC.)?

27. HOW DO I REPORT PARKING INFRACTIONS?

1. WHAT IS MICROMOBILITY? 
   Micromobility vehicles are a range of lightweight, low-speed vehicles, such as bikes, e-scooters and skateboards.
    
2. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFE PRACTICES SURROUNDING MICROMOBILITY?
   The Micromobility at UMD training course is a great start. It includes six modules covering campus and area regulations/laws on micromobility, safe riding habits, battery safety and more critical information. Information on how to operate e-scooters and e-bikes safely can be found on our website, along with guidelines and tips surrounding cyclist, driver and pedestrian safety. Do your part, Terps; remember that safety starts with you!
    
3. WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS FOR MICROMOBILITY VEHICLES?
   Micromobility regulations can be found on our website.
    
4. WHY ARE RESIDENT STUDENTS PROHIBITED FROM BRINGING ELECTRIC MICROMOBILITY VEHICLES TO CAMPUS?
   Resident students may not bring electric micromobility devices to campus because there are no accommodations for charging them, and the lithium-ion batteries in these devices pose a fire risk if they are brought inside buildings. Non-electric (pedal) bikes and other non-motorized micromobility devices are permitted.
    
5. HOW WILL THIS RESIDENT STUDENT RESTRICTION BE ENFORCED?
   DOTS will not permit resident students to register electric micromobility vehicles. Unregistered vehicles are subject to booting and/or impoundment.
    
6. I LIVE IN AN OFF-CAMPUS PROPERTY. MAY I BRING MY E-SCOOTER/E-BIKE TO CAMPUS?
   UMD students, faculty and staff living off campus who wish to commute using micromobility may park their UL-certified e-scooters/e-bikes at outdoor bike racks. There are no charging facilities on campus, nor is there any way to store these devices long-term.
   Individuals living off campus should consult their landlords and/or property management companies for rules/permissions related to storing and charging micromobility devices.
    
7. HOW WILL I GET AROUND WITHOUT AN E-SCOOTER OR E-BIKE?
   If you are a student living in an on-campus property looking for ways to get around, you have options!
   • For your short trips on/around campus:
     • Bring a Non-Motorized Bike: Resident students are welcome to bring and register a pedal bike for their travel around campus. UMD has a wealth of free or low-cost resources to support biking on campus, including the Campus Bike Shop, which offers free basic repairs and education, discounted helmets, lights and locks. We also have been building dedicated bike lanes and paths for a more comfortable riding experience.
     • Use Veo or Capital Bikeshare: No hassle or concerns about charging, storage, maintenance or theft! Simply download the apps, follow the safety instructions and park your ride in a permitted location.
       • Frequent users can opt for one of the Veo Plus memberships, which offer steep discounts on rides
       • Unlock UMD’s $25/year Capital Bikeshare membership by using promo code: umdbikes25
     • Take Shuttle-UM/Public Transit: Download the Transit app to find the best route to your destination and track your bus arrival time.
     • Walk! Did you know the campus is a nationally recognized arboretum? It is best explored on foot. Each day on your way to class, you can discover more of the cultivated and natural beauty, conservation practices, art, history and wonder that the UMD campus has to offer.
   • For your longer trips:
     • Capital Bikeshare: Did you know Capital Bikeshare has over 780 stations across the Washington metropolitan area? Rent a bike in College Park and explore the region on scenic trails or along bike-friendly streets.
     • Metrorail/MARC Train: Bike, take a Veo or take Shuttle-UM to the College Park metro station. WMATA’s metro rail and the MARC train offer convenient and affordable ways to get around the region.
     • Carshare: Take advantage of UMD’s Zipcar membership for those occasional long-distance trips.  
        
8. WHAT VEHICLES ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED?
   All privately-owned electric scooters and electric bicycles must be registered with DOTS by September 15, 2025.
   Non-electric bikes are also required to register, but follow a separate process powered by Bike Index. 
    

9. HOW DO I REGISTER MY E-SCOOTER/E-BIKE ?
   In order to register your electric micromobility vehicle, you must first complete and pass the self-guided Micromobility at UMD training course. After receiving your course certificate of completion, bring your vehicle to the DOTS Office in Regents Drive Garage to receive your registration sticker. When you arrive, please have the following ready:

   • Certificate of Completion for the Micromobility at UMD training course
   • Your UID
   • Your e-scooter or e-bike
   • Your vehicle’s make, model and serial number
   • Payment method for the $35 registration fee. Options include student bursar account, check or money order (made payable to the University of Maryland) or charge (Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover)

   Registration stickers must be applied properly and visible on your vehicle at all times. Failure to register or display registration stickers on your vehicle may result in a warning, immobilized vehicle (booting) or impoundment. The owner is responsible for any associated fees.  
   
   Click here to learn more about registration.

10. DOES MY REGISTRATION EXPIRE?
    Registration is good for one year. When your registration expires you must return to the DOTS office at Regents Drive Garage to renew your registration, pay the registration fee and receive a new sticker.  
    
    Re-registration is required before the permit expires under the following conditions:
    • If the vehicle is sold or transferred to a new owner
    • The registration sticker falls off, is faded or is no longer legible
      
       
11. I REGISTERED PREVIOUSLY, BUT MY REGISTRATION HAS EXPIRED. DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE MICROMOBILITY AT UMD TRAINING?
    Yes, for the 2025–2026 academic year, all vehicle owners must present a certificate of completion for the Micromobility at UMD training to register their device. This ensures that every rider is informed about campus regulations and safety protocols.
     
12. WHY IS REGISTRATION REQUIRED ON THESE VEHICLES?
    There are several important reasons for requiring registration:
    • Data: Mandatory registration provides UMD with valuable data on the number of privately owned micromobility vehicles on campus. Registration data, combined with the data that we have about the campus Veo fleet, helps us to better understand micromobility use on campus and to better invest resources. It also allows us to communicate directly with e-scooter and e-bike operators to share important information about regulation changes, amenities and safety.
    • Accountability/Enforcement: Registration will erase the anonymity that enables unsafe behavior and allow for better enforcement.
    • Other Benefits and Services: DOTS will provide free lock-cutting services to registered micromobility vehicle owners. Registration also creates a record of ownership that can help authorities if your vehicle goes missing.
      
       
13. WHAT IS THE COST TO REGISTER? 
    Beginning August 1, 2025, a $35 annual fee will be assessed for registering electric micromobility vehicles. This fee will help to manage the rapid growth of privately owned vehicles on campus by providing revenue to support safety initiatives and enforcement actions.
     
14. HOW DOES REGISTRATION MAKE CAMPUS MORE SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE?
    Registration erases the anonymity that enables unsafe behavior and allows for better enforcement. Every registered vehicle has a sticker displaying a unique 5-digit identification number that assists DOTS in enforcing parking infractions.
    Additionally, the Department of Public Safety has access to the registration database to support the enforcement of moving violations.
     
15. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REGISTRATION FOR THE VEHICLE OWNER?
    Free lock-cutting service, helpful in the event you lose your key or damage your lock
    A record of ownership, which helps authorities track down your bike if it goes missing
    Email updates about campus bike events, amenities, policy changes and safety issues
     
16. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T REGISTER? 
    Unregistered vehicles are subject to booting or impoundment and associated fees.
     
17. WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER?
    All privately-owned electric scooters and electric bicycles must be registered by Monday, September 15, 2025.
     
18. HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO REGISTER?
    E-scooter and e-bike operators are required to maintain a valid registration for the entire academic year.  Registration lasts for one year and expiration dates will be displayed on the stickers.
    Non-electric bikes are required to be registered. Registration does not expire for these non-electric vehicles. 
     
19. I REGISTERED LAST YEAR, AND MY EXPIRATION DOESN’T EXPIRE UNTIL 2026. DO I HAVE TO RE-REGISTER NOW?
    Previously registration was valid for 2 years, however, that did not allow for adequate data accuracy (e.g., we may have been counting vehicles that were no longer in use or that belonged to people who graduated or left UMD). 
    If you still have a valid registration, you do not need to register again until that registration expires.
     
20. I'M VISITING CAMPUS AND AM PLANNING TO BRING MY E-SCOOTER/E-BIKE. DO I NEED TO REGISTER? 
    Visitors who plan to bring their electric micromobility vehicles on campus should use a visitor tag. To request a visitor tag, please reach out to us by phone at (301) 314-3687 or complete this form and someone from our team will be in touch via email.
     
21. WHAT DO I DO IF MY E-SCOOTER OR E-BIKE IS BOOTED OR IMPOUNDED?
    Detailed instructions on what to do if your vehicle is booted or impounded can be found on our regulations page.
     
22. I AM DONE WITH MY E-BIKE/E-SCOOTER–HOW CAN I DISPOSE IT SAFELY?
    If your e-scooter or e-bike is no longer in working condition, DOTS can recycle it for you for free. The lithium-ion batteries inside e-micromobility vehicles must be recycled in a specific manner, as they can cause fires and other damage when disposed of incorrectly. Please do not dispose of your e-bike or e-scooter in a dumpster or curbside garbage/recycling bin.
    
    Visit this page to learn more about how to donate your micromobility vehicle.
     
23. WHAT IF I SELL OR GIVE MY VEHICLE AWAY?
    • Seller/Old Owner:
      1. Email transportation@umd.edu and notify us that you would like to cancel your registration.
      2. Remove the DOTS registration sticker from your vehicle.  
    • Buyer/New Owner (bought from a UMD community member):
      1. Ask the previous owner to send you an e-mail confirmation of their sale, and confirm that they have canceled their registration with DOTS.
      2. After their vehicle registration is canceled, you will need to purchase a new registration and attain a new DOTS registration sticker.
         
          
24. WHAT DO I DO IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A MICROMOBILITY VEHICLE (BICYCLE, E-BIKE, E-SCOOTER, ETC.)?
    If you are hit by a micromobility vehicle, first try to remain calm and assess the situation; don’t leave after a crash as you may be more injured than you realize. Go to the nearest PERT blue light phone or use your cell phone to call UMPD at 301-405-3333 to get medical assistance and to begin filing a police report.
    
    Be sure to document:
    • The names and contact information of any individuals (e.g., micromobility riders, pedestrians, drivers, etc.) involved in the crash.
    • The insurance companies and policy numbers of those individuals.
    • The makes, models and registration number of any micromobility vehicles involved in the crash.
    • The names and contact information for witnesses (at least two if possible).
    • Photos of any damage to the micromobility vehicle.
    • Your objective recollections of the incidents that came before, during and after the crash.
      
      When police arrive, note the officer’s badge number, name and the number of the police report. Keep a copy of this police report in case you develop an injury later, or need to make an insurance claim.
      
       
25. HOW DO I FILE A POLICE REPORT FOR A MICROMOBILITY COLLISION?
    To file a police report, please call UMPD at 301-405-3333 and an officer will assist you with next steps.
     
26. WHAT DO I DO IF I WITNESS A MICROMOBILITY USER RIDING THEIR DEVICE UNSAFELY (NOT STOPPING AT STOP SIGNS, WEAVING THROUGH TRAFFIC, RIDING IN PEDESTRIAN AREAS, NOT YIELDING FOR PEDESTRIANS, ETC.)?
    If you witness a person riding any micromobility device unsafely, you can refer the incident to the Office of Student Conduct. That office will only handle the referral if the rider is a UMD student. Additionally, if someone on a Veo e-bike or e-scooter is riding unsafely, you can report the incident directly to Veo through the Veo app or at hello@veoride.com.
    
    When reporting a case to Veo or the Office of Student Conduct, please include as much detail as possible (when, where, type of behaviors observed, etc.) and the identity or registration number (if possible) of the rider. If you would like to report an incident anonymously, please contact the Office of Student Conduct to speak with a staff member directly.
     
27. HOW DO I REPORT PARKING INFRACTIONS?
    Privately-owned micromobility vehicles that are improperly parked can be reported to the BikeUMD team using UMD 311, available in the UMD app. 
    Improperly parked Veos can be reported through UMD 311, but may also be reported through the Veo app or by emailing hello@veoride.com.