Exploring ASU Tempe Campus on Electric Scooters: Where to Ride and What to Know

Electric scooters on Arizona State University's Tempe campus are subject to specific regulations and designated riding areas to ensure student safety and campus accessibility. ASU policy PDP 207-01 prohibits motorized devices inside campus buildings and residence halls, while walk-only zones restrict wheeled vehicle use in high-traffic pedestrian areas Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Permitted riding areas include designated bike lanes on University Drive, Rural Road, and Mill Avenue, as well as campus perimeters and shared pathways where riders must maintain safe speeds and yield to pedestrians. Scooter parking is available at six valet/cage locations on Tempe campus (eastside Memorial Union, Packard Drive South Parking Garage, Palm Walk north of Tyler Mall, Rural Road Parking garage, south of Biodesign Institute A along Terrace Mall, south of Payne Hall) requiring ASU email registration. Students must register scooters displaying VIN numbers with valid ASU motorcycle parking permits, follow traffic laws in bike lanes, wear helmets for safety, and park responsibly in designated spots to avoid impoundment fees ($100-$250). Understanding these regulations, permitted zones, parking locations, walk-only restrictions (covering high-pedestrian areas during weekday business hours), and safety requirements ensures compliant electric scooter use while navigating ASU's 642-acre Tempe campus efficiently.

Current ASU Electric Scooter Policy and Regulations

Arizona State University maintains specific policies governing electric scooter use on its Tempe campus to balance student mobility needs with pedestrian safety.

Policy PDP 207-01: Campus Transportation Code

The foundational policy regulating all motorized devices on ASU property.

Key policy elements:

• Policy origin: ASU PDP 207-01 established September 1, 1963, actively enforced for modern electric scooters
• Building restrictions: Electric scooters, e-bikes, and similar non-pedestrian motorized devices prohibited from entry into any ASU campus building
• Residence hall ban: Electric-powered vehicles including scooters, hoverboards, and e-bikes prohibited in University Housing and residential communities due to fire hazard concerns
• Scope: Applies to all on-campus and off-campus ASU residence halls under Tempe Campus Transportation Code
• Enforcement approach: Scooter companies pay $100-$250 impoundment fees for violations; individual students typically not fined for riding violations

Walk-Only Zones: Where Riding is Prohibited

Designated high-traffic pedestrian areas with strict vehicle restrictions.

Walk-only zone specifications:

• Coverage area: Large sections of central Tempe campus covering high pedestrian-traffic zones
• Enforcement hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (business hours)
• Weekend policy: Walk-only restrictions lifted on weekends—bikes, skateboards, and scooters permitted regardless of time
• Restrictions during enforcement: No riding, driving, or parking of wheeled vehicles including electric scooters, bikes, skateboards, and golf carts
• Required action: Riders must dismount and walk scooters through walk-only zones during enforcement hours
• Map availability: ASU provides interactive ArcGIS map showing exact walk-only zone boundaries (accessible through ASU Parking and Transportation Services website)

High-traffic pedestrian areas typically included in walk-only zones: Memorial Union vicinity, Tyler Mall, Old Main Lawn, central campus quads, areas between major academic buildings during class transition times.

Why ASU Restricts Electric Scooters

University policies balance innovation with safety and accessibility concerns.

Reasons for restrictions:

• Pedestrian safety: High foot traffic density during class hours creates collision risks in confined walkways
• Accessibility: Scooters parked improperly block wheelchair-accessible paths and building entrances
• Fire hazards: Lithium-ion batteries in residence halls pose fire risks during charging
• Traffic management: 70,000+ students on Tempe campus requires organized flow management during peak hours
• Historical precedent: Policy predates modern e-scooters but applies to all motorized non-pedestrian devices

ASU recognizes scooter convenience for students, faculty, and staff, and works with student government and City of Tempe to evaluate appropriate usage models with safety as top priority.

Where You CAN Ride Electric Scooters on Campus

Despite restrictions in certain zones, ASU Tempe campus offers numerous permitted riding areas for electric scooters.

Designated Bike Lanes on Major Roads

Primary permitted riding corridors following same rules as bicycles.

Major campus bike lanes:

• University Drive: East-west corridor along northern campus boundary, dedicated bike lanes in both directions, connects to Tempe city bike network
• Rural Road: North-south route along eastern campus edge, bike lanes running parallel to vehicle traffic, provides access to parking structures and residence halls
• Mill Avenue: Major north-south thoroughfare along western campus boundary, bike lanes connect campus to downtown Tempe and light rail stations
• Apache Boulevard: Southern campus perimeter, bike lanes available for campus access

Bike lane riding requirements:

• Traffic law compliance: Obey all traffic signals, stop signs, and yield signs as vehicles do
• Lane discipline: Stay within designated bike lane boundaries, no weaving into vehicle lanes
• Pedestrian right-of-way: Yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks and intersections
• Speed limits: Follow posted speed limits for bike lanes (typically 15 mph on campus perimeter roads)
• Lighting requirements: Front white light and rear red light required for night riding (Arizona state law)

Shared Pathways with Pedestrians

Multi-use paths where scooters share space with foot traffic.

Shared pathway guidelines:

• Location: Connecting paths between buildings outside walk-only zones, campus perimeter pathways, residential area sidewalks
• Speed management: Reduce speed to safe levels appropriate for pedestrian density (5-8 mph in moderate traffic)
• Passing protocol: Announce presence verbally ("on your left") or with bell/horn before passing pedestrians
• Distance maintenance: Keep respectful distance (3-4 feet minimum) when passing walkers
• Crowded area response: Dismount and walk scooter when pathway becomes crowded or congested
• Priority hierarchy: Pedestrians have absolute right-of-way on all shared paths

Campus Perimeter Areas

Outer edges of campus where scooter riding remains permitted throughout day.

Perimeter riding areas:

• Sidewalks along major roads: University Drive, Rural Road, Mill Avenue, Apache Boulevard sidewalks outside core campus
• Parking structure access roads: Roadways leading to parking garages (Packard Drive South, Rural Road Parking garage areas)
• Residential zones: Pathways in Vista del Sol, Hassayampa Academic Village, Barrett Honors College residential areas (excluding building interiors)
• Recreation areas: Paths around Sun Devil Stadium, recreational facilities on campus edges

Weekend and After-Hours Riding

Expanded riding permissions outside weekday business hours.

Extended access periods:

• Weekend freedom: Walk-only zones open to bikes and scooters all day Saturday and Sunday
• Evening hours: After 5:00 PM weekdays, walk-only restrictions lift, allowing scooter access to previously restricted areas
• Early morning: Before 8:00 AM weekdays, ride permitted through areas that become walk-only zones later
• Holiday breaks: During university breaks (Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break), walk-only zones typically not enforced
• Summer sessions: Reduced enforcement of walk-only zones during summer due to lower pedestrian density

Even during unrestricted times, riders must maintain safe speeds and yield to pedestrians—lack of enforcement hours doesn't eliminate safety responsibilities.

Electric Scooter Parking and Storage Options

ASU provides designated parking infrastructure for electric scooters and bicycles across Tempe campus.

Bike and Scooter Valets and Secure Cages

Free secure parking facilities requiring registration for access.

Six Tempe campus locations:

1. Eastside of Memorial Union: Central campus location near student services, highest traffic valet, convenient for classes in central campus buildings
2. Packard Drive South Parking Garage: Western campus edge, serves commuter students, accessible from Mill Avenue
3. Palm Walk north of Tyler Mall: Heart of campus, near engineering and science buildings
4. Rural Road Parking garage: Eastern campus boundary, serves residential halls and eastern academic buildings
5. South of Biodesign Institute A along Terrace Mall: Near research facilities and sciences complex
6. South of Payne Hall: Services southern campus areas and business school vicinity

Valet and cage features:

• Security: Enclosed cages with controlled access, staff monitoring during business hours
• Protection: Weather-protected storage, reduces theft risk compared to open bike racks
• Capacity: Space for bikes and scooters (kick scooters and non-motorized primarily intended; check specific location policies for electric scooter accommodation)
• Access hours: Typically Monday-Friday 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM (hours vary by location)

Registration Requirements

Free registration process enables access to secure parking facilities.

Registration process:

1. Eligibility: All ASU students, faculty, and staff who bring scooters/bikes to campus must register
2. Registration methods: Online through ASU Parking and Transportation Services website, or in-person at bike valet locations
3. Required information: ASU email address, device description (make, model, color), serial number if available
4. Access credential: ASU ID card serves as access credential for secure cages
5. Cost: Registration completely free, no annual fees

Permits for Motorized Scooters (VIN-Equipped)

Scooters requiring DMV licensing need additional permits for campus parking.

Permit requirements for street-legal scooters:

• Applicability: Mopeds, motorcycles, or scooters with VIN numbers requiring Department of Motor Vehicles licensing
• Permit type: Valid ASU motorcycle parking permit required when parked on ASU property
• Alternative: Pay posted hourly/daily rate at motorcycle parking areas without permit
• Parking locations: Designated motorcycle parking zones in parking structures and surface lots
• Enforcement: Vehicles without proper permits subject to citation or impoundment

Proper Parking Etiquette

Responsible parking prevents accessibility issues and impoundment.

Parking best practices:

• Use designated areas: Park only in marked bike racks, scooter parking zones, or secure cages—never against buildings, in doorways, or blocking pathways
• Accessibility compliance: Ensure parked scooter doesn't obstruct wheelchair-accessible routes, ramps, or building entrances
• Upright positioning: Stand scooter upright or use kickstand properly to prevent tipping into walkways
• Avoid pedestrian zones: Don't park in high-traffic pedestrian areas even if technically outside walk-only zones
• Lock securely: Use U-lock or cable lock through frame and wheel to fixed object at bike racks
• Impoundment consequences: Improperly parked scooters subject to removal with $100-$250 retrieval fees

Safety Guidelines and Best Practices

Following safety protocols protects riders, pedestrians, and ensures positive scooter culture on campus.

Required and Recommended Safety Equipment

Essential gear for safe campus scooter operation.

Safety equipment:

• Helmet (highly recommended): Arizona law doesn't require helmets for riders 18+, but ASU strongly recommends helmets for all riders to prevent head injuries in falls
• Lighting (required for night): Front white light visible from 500 feet, rear red light or reflector (Arizona state law ARS 28-817)
• Reflective clothing: Bright colors or reflective vest increases visibility to vehicles, especially dawn/dusk/night
• Closed-toe shoes: Prevents foot injuries from falls or collisions
• Eye protection: Sunglasses or clear glasses protect from dust, insects, debris at scooter speeds

Safe Riding Techniques on Campus

Operational practices that reduce accident risk.

Safe riding behaviors:

• Speed management: Keep speeds appropriate for conditions—15 mph maximum in bike lanes, 5-8 mph on shared paths, slower near intersections and turns
• Awareness maintenance: Constantly scan ahead for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, obstacles; avoid phone use while riding
• Both hands on handlebar: Maintain control with both hands, no one-handed riding or carrying items
• Smooth braking: Apply brakes gradually to avoid skidding or loss of control; prepare to stop well before intersections
• Turn signals: Use hand signals (left arm extended for left turn, bent upward for right turn) when changing direction in bike lanes
• Weather caution: Avoid riding in rain (slippery surfaces), high winds, or extreme heat affecting battery performance
• Passenger prohibition: Electric scooters designed for single rider—never carry passengers

Interacting Safely with Pedestrians

Pedestrian priority and courtesy protocols.

Pedestrian interaction guidelines:

• Absolute right-of-way: Pedestrians always have priority—slow or stop to let them pass safely
• Audible warnings: Call out "on your left" or use bell/horn when approaching to pass pedestrians from behind
• Passing distance: Allow minimum 3-4 feet clearance when passing walkers; more distance for groups or children
• Eye contact: Make eye contact with pedestrians at intersections to ensure they see you before proceeding
• Class transition times: Exercise extra caution during 10-minute class transition periods when sidewalks become congested
• Dismount when necessary: If path too crowded for safe passing, dismount and walk scooter alongside pedestrians

Traffic Law Compliance

Electric scooters must follow Arizona traffic laws when operating in bike lanes and roadways.

Applicable Arizona traffic laws:

• Traffic signals: Obey red lights, green lights, yellow lights same as motor vehicles (ARS 28-812)
• Stop signs: Come to complete stop at all stop signs, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians (ARS 28-855)
• Right-of-way rules: Yield to vehicles already in intersection, pedestrians in crosswalks (ARS 28-793)
• Lane positioning: Ride as far right as practical in bike lanes, don't block vehicle lanes unnecessarily
• Maximum speed: Electric scooters limited to 20 mph maximum under Arizona law (ARS 28-819)
• DUI laws apply: Operating electric scooter under influence of alcohol or drugs illegal, subject to DUI penalties
• Sidewalk riding: Local ordinances govern sidewalk riding—follow ASU campus policies for pathway use

Charging Electric Scooters on Campus

Proper charging practices ensure battery safety and comply with residence hall fire codes.

Where Charging is NOT Permitted

University Housing prohibits electric scooter charging in residence halls.

Charging restrictions:

• Residence hall ban: No charging electric scooters, e-bikes, or hoverboards in dorm rooms, apartments, or common areas due to fire hazard
• Fire risk rationale: Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode during charging, particularly with damaged batteries or incompatible chargers
• Enforcement: Resident assistants and housing staff enforce charging ban; violations may result in confiscation and disciplinary action
• Storage with batteries: Even uncharged scooters with batteries installed prohibited from residence hall storage

Safe Charging Alternatives

Options for students needing to charge scooters on or near campus.

Charging solutions:

• Off-campus housing: Students in off-campus apartments or houses can charge scooters at home (follow landlord policies and fire safety guidelines)
• Workplace charging: Students employed on campus may ask supervisors about charging in staff areas (requires supervisor approval)
• Local businesses: Some Tempe coffee shops, restaurants, or coworking spaces near campus allow customers to charge devices (ask permission first)
• Public charging stations: Limited public EV charging stations in Tempe may have standard outlets available (primarily for electric vehicles but may accommodate scooters)
• Scooter-share alternatives: Consider using Bird, Lime, or other scooter-share services that handle charging through company fleets (don't require personal charging)

Safe Charging Best Practices

When charging is permitted, follow safety protocols to prevent fires.

Charging safety guidelines:

• Manufacturer charger only: Use only charger provided by scooter manufacturer—third-party chargers increase fire risk
• Supervised charging: Charge scooter when someone present to monitor—never leave charging overnight unattended
• Cool-down period: Allow scooter to cool 15-30 minutes after riding before plugging in to charge
• Hard surface placement: Charge on concrete, tile, or other non-flammable surfaces—never on carpet, beds, or upholstered furniture
• Ventilated area: Charge in well-ventilated space away from combustible materials
• Smoke detector proximity: Ensure functioning smoke detector in charging area
• Battery inspection: Regularly inspect battery and charger for damage, swelling, overheating, or unusual odors—discontinue use if problems detected
• Unplug when full: Remove charger once battery reaches full charge to prevent overcharging

ASU Campus Resources and Maps

University provides tools and information to help navigate scooter policies and permitted areas.

Interactive Campus Maps

Digital mapping tools showing bike lanes, parking, and restricted zones.

Available map resources:

• ASU Bike and Scooter Map: Official map showing bike lanes, bike-share stations, parking valets/cages, fix-it stations, walk-only zones (available through ASU Parking and Transportation Services website)
• Walk-Only Zone ArcGIS Map: Interactive map with precise walk-only zone boundaries, filterable by enforcement hours (accessible at ASU ArcGIS portal)
• ASU Interactive Campus Map: Comprehensive tool for locating buildings, facilities, parking, dining with directions between locations (map.asu.edu)
• Google Maps bicycling layer: Shows bike lanes throughout Tempe and Maricopa County connecting to ASU campus routes

Parking and Transportation Services Contact

Department handling scooter policies, parking, and registration.

Contact information:

• Phone: 480-965-6124 (general inquiries, parking questions, registration assistance)
• Website: cfo.asu.edu/bike (bike and scooter information, policies, maps, registration portal)
• In-person: Parking and Transit Services office locations on each campus
• Email: Available through website contact form for non-urgent questions
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (phone and in-person support)

Official Policy Documents

Formal documentation of regulations.

• ASU PDP 207-01: Tempe Campus Transportation Code (complete motorized device regulations)
• Nonpedestrian Device Safety: Guidelines at cfo.asu.edu/bike-safety
• Walk-Only Zones: Details at cfo.asu.edu/walk-only-zones
• University Housing Policies: Residence hall prohibited items including electric scooters

City of Tempe Electric Scooter Regulations

Off-campus scooter use governed by Tempe municipal codes in addition to ASU policies.

Tempe City Scooter Rules

Regulations applying to scooter use on public streets and sidewalks adjacent to campus.

Key Tempe regulations:

• Speed limit: 15 mph maximum on sidewalks and bike lanes within Tempe city limits
• Sidewalk riding: Permitted on sidewalks (unlike some cities that ban sidewalk scooter use)
• Parking requirements: Must park upright in designated areas without blocking pedestrian paths, building entrances, or accessible routes
• Age restrictions: Riders must be 18+ for rental scooters; personally owned scooters may be used by younger riders with parental consent
• Helmet requirements: Strongly recommended but not legally required for riders 18+
• Impaired riding: Operating scooter under influence of alcohol or drugs prohibited, subject to DUI penalties
• Shared scooter programs: Tempe permits Bird, Lime, and other shared scooter companies to operate with designated parking corrals throughout city

ASU-Tempe Coordination

University works with City of Tempe on scooter policies.

Collaborative approach:

• Student government involvement: ASU student leaders participate in policy discussions with city and university administration
• Safety prioritization: Both entities agree safety must be top priority while exploring appropriate usage models
• Policy evolution: ASU willing to evaluate modified scooter policies that address safety concerns while providing student mobility options
• Shared scooter coordination: City permits shared scooters on campus perimeters with designated parking zones

Alternative Transportation Options at ASU

Beyond personal electric scooters, ASU offers numerous transportation alternatives for campus mobility.

Free FLASH Shuttle Service

Free campus shuttle system connecting all ASU locations.

FLASH service details:

• Routes: Multiple routes connecting Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, and West campuses
• Frequency: Buses run every 10-20 minutes during peak hours, less frequent evenings and weekends
• Cost: Completely free with ASU ID card
• Accessibility: All buses ADA-accessible with wheelchair ramps/lifts
• Bike racks: External bike racks allow transporting bicycles between campuses

Valley Metro Light Rail and Bus

Regional public transit with campus access.

• Light rail stations: Three stations on/near Tempe campus (Veterans Way/College Avenue, University Drive/Rural Road, Dorsey Lane/Apache Boulevard)
• Free transit pass: All ASU students receive free Valley Metro pass through tuition fees
• Service area: Light rail connects campus to downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor Airport, Mesa, Tempe entertainment districts
• Frequency: Trains every 12-15 minutes most hours, extended late-night weekend service

VeoRide Bike Share Program

Pedal-assist e-bikes available throughout campus.

• Fleet: Hundreds of e-bikes stationed at racks across campus
• Access: Download VeoRide app, locate nearby bike, unlock with smartphone
• Pricing: Discounted rates for ASU students (lower than standard rental rates)
• Range: Pedal-assist bikes cover longer distances with less effort than traditional bikes
• Parking: Return to designated VeoRide stations (cannot be locked anywhere)

Walking and Traditional Bikes

Non-motorized options remain most common campus transportation.

• Walking: Compact central Tempe campus walkable in 15-20 minutes end-to-end; most students walk between classes
• Traditional bicycles: Personally owned bikes permitted throughout campus including walk-only zones during enforcement hours (unlike electric scooters)
• Longboards/skateboards: Traditional (non-electric) boards allowed on campus with same walk-only zone restrictions during enforcement

Student Feedback and Perspectives

ASU students have mixed reactions to electric scooter restrictions balancing safety concerns with convenience preferences.

Common Student Reactions to Policies

Student perspectives on scooter regulations.

Typical student viewpoints:

• Safety understanding: Many students acknowledge restrictions make sense from pedestrian safety perspective given campus crowding during class transitions
• Convenience disappointment: Students express frustration that convenient transportation option faces limitations, particularly for commuters parking at campus edges
• Enforcement inconsistency: Some students note scooter ban not always strictly enforced, leading to confusion about actual consequences
• Alternative preferences: Students often suggest e-bikes, longboards, or traditional bikes as alternatives offering similar benefits with fewer restrictions

Safety Concerns and Incidents

Documented safety issues prompting policy enforcement.

Safety considerations:

• Pedestrian collisions: Incidents of scooter-pedestrian collisions during crowded class transition times contributed to walk-only zone enforcement
• Accessibility blocking: Improperly parked scooters blocking wheelchair-accessible routes prompted stricter parking regulations
• Building damage: Scooters ridden into buildings or parked in lobbies created damage and accessibility issues
• Fire hazards: Several university residence hall fires nationwide linked to lithium-ion battery charging prompted ASU residence hall ban

Future of Electric Scooters at ASU

ASU continues evaluating policies as electric mobility technology and usage patterns evolve.

Ongoing Policy Evaluation

University remains open to adjusting regulations based on safety data and student needs.

Potential future changes:

• Student input: ASU administration works with student government to gather feedback on mobility needs and policy improvements
• Safety-first approach: Any policy modifications must demonstrate improved or maintained safety for pedestrians
• Technology advances: Newer scooter models with better braking, speed limiters, or GPS-based geofencing may enable more nuanced policies
• Pilot programs: University may test limited scooter programs in specific campus zones to evaluate feasibility

Best Practices for Current Students

Recommendations for students using electric scooters at ASU today.

Student best practices:

• Know the policies: Familiarize yourself with current regulations before bringing scooter to campus
• Use permitted areas only: Respect walk-only zones and building restrictions to avoid impoundment and maintain positive scooter reputation
• Prioritize safety: Wear helmet, use lights, maintain safe speeds, yield to pedestrians consistently
• Park responsibly: Always use designated parking areas, never block accessible routes
• Consider alternatives: Evaluate whether traditional bike, VeoRide e-bike share, or FLASH shuttle better fits your needs given current restrictions
• Stay informed: Check ASU Parking and Transportation Services website periodically for policy updates
• Charge safely off-campus: Never attempt to charge in residence halls; use off-campus housing or approved locations

Conclusion

Electric scooters can be used on Arizona State University's Tempe campus within specific guidelines designed to balance student mobility with pedestrian safety and accessibility. ASU Policy PDP 207-01 prohibits electric scooters from campus buildings, residence halls (fire hazard), and walk-only zones during weekday business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm), while permitting scooter use in designated bike lanes (University Drive, Rural Road, Mill Avenue), shared pathways outside walk-only areas, and campus perimeters with proper safety protocols.

Students using electric scooters on campus must register devices with ASU (free registration), park in six designated valet/cage locations requiring ASU email authentication (eastside Memorial Union, Packard Drive South Parking Garage, Palm Walk, Rural Road garage, Biodesign Institute area, Payne Hall vicinity), follow traffic laws in bike lanes, wear helmets (strongly recommended), yield to pedestrians, and avoid charging in residence halls. Scooters with VIN numbers requiring DMV licensing need valid ASU motorcycle parking permits. Improperly parked scooters face $100-$250 impoundment fees, though individual riders typically aren't fined for violations—companies pay penalties.

Walk-only zones covering high-traffic central campus areas restrict all wheeled vehicles during weekday enforcement hours but open fully on weekends and after 5pm weekdays, allowing expanded access during lower pedestrian density periods. Alternative transportation options include free FLASH shuttle service, Valley Metro light rail (free with ASU ID), VeoRide e-bike share program, and traditional bicycles permitted campus-wide. ASU works collaboratively with student government and City of Tempe to evaluate appropriate scooter usage models prioritizing safety while recognizing convenience benefits for students, faculty, and staff navigating the 642-acre campus. Understanding current policies, permitted riding areas, parking locations, safety requirements, and walk-only zone restrictions enables responsible electric scooter use at ASU Tempe while supporting positive campus mobility culture.