Tulane University students are now required to dismount their electric scooters and bicycles under a university-wide ban, according to an email from Kirk Bouyelas, associate vice president of public safety and community engagement, on Tuesday. 

The ban covers electric scooters, bikes and other motorized personal mobility devices. While the ban is effective immediately, university authorities will not strictly enforce it until Jan. 1 to give students time to sell or put away their devices.

Bouyelas cited fire safety, pedestrian safety and the obstruction of pathways as the reasons behind the prohibition.

“The lithium/ion batteries associated with many of these devices present significant fire and explosion hazards if charged improperly or damaged,” Bouyelas said in the email.

According to a statement from Tulane spokesman Mike Strecker, several incidents of reckless driving have occurred this year.

The policy does not extend to wheelchairs, mobility scooters or other devices used by individuals with a mobility-related disability.

Because they operate at a slower speed, nonmotorized bikes and scooters will still be allowed, according to Strecker.

Penalties for non-compliance have not been announced, “but non-compliance will be processed through existing mechanisms, including student conduct, human resources & TUPD,” Strecker said.

Tulane joins many other universities, including the University of Maryland, Boston College and Yale University in banning or restricting e-bikes and scooters.