April 3, 2025

Using or riding recreational personal mobility devices (PMDs), either human-powered (e.g., bicycles, kick-scooters, rollerblades/ roller-skates, skateboards, etc.) or electric-powered (e.g., e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, self-balancing devices, etc.) within University buildings is hazardous to the user, students, staff and general building occupants. As such, it is prohibited to use or ride recreational personal mobility devices within any University building and at building entrances such as stairs, ramps, accessibility pathways, etc. PMDs should not be stored in a manner that causes a trip hazard or prevents egress in the event of emergency. It is prohibited to store PMDs in common areas, stairwells and hallways.

If riding or using a PMD is required for research or learning activities, a risk assessment, in consultation with the local facilities group and EHS,  and approval by the Chair is required.

For recreational PMD users, the expectation is for users to charge devices prior to coming on campus and minimize charging/electrical impacts on the University community. If charging while on campus is necessary, please contact your local facilities group to review electrical capacity. All PMDs stored, used and charged on campus must meet Canadian national safety standards and be certified by an accredited certification body such as CSA, cUL or cETL (refer to UofT Electrical Equipment Guidance document). Individuals are asked not to charge their PMDs on-campus and not to bring their PMDs on-campus if the PMD does not have an accredited certification per above.

For use of recreational PMDs outdoors, please follow guidance from the City of Toronto and City of Mississauga as applicable. Note that in the City of Toronto, e-scooters are not allowed to be operated on any public roads, sidewalks or paths in Toronto; therefore they should be stored off-campus. E-bikes are allowed on public roads but not on sidewalks in Toronto and you must wear a helmet while riding an e-bike.

A poster template is available for departments to use. If you have any questions, please contact EHS (ehs.office@utoronto.ca). 

If you require an accommodation related to the use of a personal mobility device (indoors), please contact:

    -For employees, Health and Well-Being

    -For students, Accessibility Services (UTM, UTSC, UTSG).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact EHS (ehs.office@utoronto.ca).