Harvard Lets Students Charge Scooters in Dorms. Some Schools Have Stricter Regulations.

As micromobility devices like e-scooters and e-bikes grow in popularity among students, Harvard’s policies on storage and fire safety differ from peer institutions — allowing the devices to be parked and charged in dorms, while some other schools impose more restrictions.

A Crimson analysis found that at least five Ivy League schools — Columbia University, Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University — ban storing or charging scooters in dorms, often due to fire risks. Dartmouth College’s policies temporarily allow students to charge scooters in dorms but ban unattended charging.

But Harvard imposes no such restrictions, instead suggesting mitigation techniques — like plugging chargers directly into wall outlets and following manufacturers’ instructions.

All batteries in micromobility devices must meet the Underwriters Laboratories standard. The guidelines recommend students charge devices safely in their dorms using the equipment provided with the device, avoiding extension cords or power strips, and not leaving the devices unattended.

Some of Harvard’s neighbors in the greater Boston area have more relaxed guidelines than its Ivy League peers. MIT and Boston University’s micromobility policies demand students to register micromobility devices in order to store or charge them in dorms and offices. For charging, all systems must be UL-certified. But Tufts University bans scooters entirely from its campus.

Harvard’s micromobility policies require students to keep paths clear, and to follow building guidelines regarding parking, safe charging, and storing overnight.

Specifically, within residences, students must not leave devices in hallways, stairwells, or common spaces. Parked micromobility devices must not block accessible pathways, building entrances and exits, driveways, fire safety equipment, and emergency exit routes, according to the policy. Wheelchairs and mobility aids are not included in these policies.

Unlike many peer institutions, Harvard’s policy encourages, rather than mandates, the registration of bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices and allows charging in suites.

In response to questions about why Harvard adopted more permissive policies compared to its peers, University spokesperson Jonathan Palumbo wrote that administrators “make decisions based on what we believe is best for our community,” adding that Harvard had no further comment.

One of the primary concerns surrounding micromobility devices is the potential fire hazard posed by lithium-ion batteries. Jeff Halpert, a senior fire protection engineer at the national fire safety firm TERPconsulting, explained that lithium-ion batteries can enter a dangerous failure mode known as thermal runaway.

“Even for firefighters, it is extremely challenging to suppress a lithium-ion battery fire,” he said.

“It almost looks like little flame throwers shooting out from the battery,” Halpert added. “It’s quite a dramatic massive scenario.”

Dormitory environments, with confined spaces and abundant combustible materials, heighten this risk. Halpert said students should be wary of off-brand chargers.

“A battery management system is designed to prevent overcharging, but only when using the manufacturer-approved charger. Off-brand chargers may bypass these safety mechanisms, leading to overcharging and potential fires,” he said.

The risk of micromobility-related fires is not hypothetical.

In New York City, where micromobility use is widespread, Halpert said more than 250 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries were reported between 2022 and 2023, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. In response, the city has implemented strict regulations limiting the use of uncertified devices and mandating proper storage and charging protocols.

Halpert suggests that universities should consider designated charging stations with enhanced fire safety measures.

“If micromobility devices were school-owned and regularly inspected, it would help mitigate risks. But when students purchase their own devices, ensuring compliance with safety standards becomes much harder,” he said.

—Staff writer Bianca A. Ciubancan can be reached at bianca.ciubancan@thecrimson.com.

—Staff writer Mohan A. Hathi can be reached at mohan.hathi@thecrimson.com.