University Micromobility Safety Commitment
University Investment in Infrastructure
In 2017, Texas A&M University published its Campus Master Plan,
which offers a roadmap for the strategic planning and development of Texas A&M’s campus.
Transportation Services, in partnership with Walker Consultants, developed its
Mobility Master Plan in 2022,
which aligns with the Campus Master Plan and outlines a future of mobility that is rooted in fewer single-occupant vehicles traveling to and around campus.
The plan instead prioritizes walking, micromobility, and public transportation as essential modes of transportation.
Transportation Services plays an integral part in the planning, layout, construction and maintenance of many elements of Texas A&M's campus.
Each year, Transportation Services funds and spearheads key
campus mobility improvement projects to enhance mobility, safety, and connectivity.
The university will continue to partner with industry experts, peer institutions,
and campus partners and stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvements that prioritize safety and reduce conflicts between modes.
Growth in Electric Micromobility
Micromobility has played an essential role in the campus transportation ecosystem for decades, offering students, faculty and staff
quick, flexible alternatives to driving or riding a bus to navigate to and around campus quickly.
Traditionally, micromobility devices have been analog – non-motorized and powered by humans –
which has naturally limited their speed and often the range with which they are utilized.
In the past two years, advances in electric micromobility technology have made these devices more affordable and efficient,
contributing to a sharp increase in adoption nationwide. Riders can now traverse longer distances with minimal effort at greater speeds.
In 2024, only 4% of micromobility devices registered with Texas A&M were electric.
By 2026, that number has increased to 43% and is projected to overtake analog micromobility in 2027.
For students who live more than one mile away from campus, electric micromobility use exceeds all other sustainable mode choices.
Safety Concerns
Because electric micromobility usage on campus has risen at such a rapid rate, safety concerns have emerged from users of all modes.
These concerns are noted in the 2024 President’s Student Experience Study and President’s Capacity Study,
the 2026 Transportation Services Mode Split Survey, and in many conversations with students, faculty and staff across campus.
The new university policy aims to decrease conflict points along campus sidewalks and improve safety for all modes.
Micromobility Regulations
University policy requires that micromobility operating on campus be registered with Transportation Services.
This system allows us to communicate directly with micromobility owners about safety, impounded devices, lost or stolen devices, and policy updates.
As electric micromobility usage on campus has increased, micromobility regulations have evolved accordingly.
These regulations include limiting devices to 750 watts, prohibiting device use in parking garages and inside buildings,
and implementing other measures to improve safety across all modes of transportation.
In 2024, Transportation Services transitioned to a new micromobility registration system, Bike Index,
to allow for a more robust curation of registered devices. With Bike Index, Transportation Services can better verify
that registered devices are in compliance with university regulations.
In 2027, the university prohibited e-scooters and throttle-driven electric devices from riding on campus sidewalks.
To support this effort, the university developed a
micromobility map
showing approved pathways and campus bike racks.
Riders of e-scooters and other throttle-driven electric devices must travel along these pathways, then dismount and walk their devices to a bike rack.
Additional safety regulations were also implemented, including a restriction on mobile phone and headphone use while operating micromobility devices.
