OCPS to restrict most students from using e-bikes, e-scooters

Most Orange County Public Schools students will not be allowed to bring or operate micromobility devices onto campus starting this school year. 

The Orange County School Board unanimously approved Tuesday, July 28, a policy that prohibits elementary, middle and high school students who do not have their driver's licenses from bringing or operating motorized micromobility devices on district property at any time, which includes before- and/or after-school sponsored activities and events. 

Micromobility devices includes e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, one-wheel devices and other electrically powered personal transportation devices. 

According to the policy, high school students with driver's licenses may bring micromobility devices onto district property if they follow rules and regulations including:

• Each student is required to apply for a decal from the school before being allowed to bring the device on campus; The decals cannot be sold or shared with anyone else.
• Once they enter district property, students must dismount and walk the device;
• Students are responsible for securing the device in a designated bicycle rack or other location the principal has approved;
• Riding devices on sidewalks, courtyards, athletic fields, courts, grass areas and other pedestrian spaces on the property is prohibited;
• Detached vehicle batteries and charging of batteries are prohibited on property;
• Excessive speed, weaving between pedestrians or vehicles, or performing stunts is prohibited;
• E-motorcycles and other motorized vehicles that exceed e-bike classifications are prohibited unless property licensed, registered and operated by an individual with the required legal authorization; and
• Students must comply with any additional requirements the principal establishes.  

Students who do not follow the rules could lose the privilege of bringing a micromobility devices onto campus and might be subject to disciplinary action. 

The devices are subject to a search at any time while on district property under applicable legal standards.