NE North Dakota News

President Andrew Armacost has released his final video message of the semester, featuring Rodney Clark, associate vice president for public safety and chief of police, and Marcus Simpson, director of safety. The discussion centered around a new policy regarding personal electric vehicles (PEVs), which include scooters, hoverboards, and bikes powered by lithium-ion batteries.

While the University of North Dakota (UND) is working on a comprehensive policy for PEVs, an interim measure is currently in place to address safety concerns related to charging these devices on campus. According to Simpson, fires originating from lithium-ion batteries during charging can spread rapidly and are difficult to control.

Instead of implementing a complete ban like some institutions have done nationwide, UND has opted for a middle-ground approach. This involves restricting areas where PEVs can be charged and stored on campus, as explained by Clark.

The UND Police Department and Department of Public Safety offer charging services along with long- and short-term storage options. The primary aim of the new policy is to prevent PEVs from being charged or stored inside campus buildings such as residence halls and classrooms.

Additionally, bike racks have been relocated further away from buildings or marked with signage detailing restrictions and guidelines for securing PEVs when parked outdoors. Simpson also shared basic safety tips for using these devices on campus.