E-scooter crashes at UC Merced cause changes on campus. What’s being done?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- UC Merced warns students as e-scooter collisions and injuries rise.
- UC Merced reports rising micromobility use and campus collisions causing serious injuries.
- University issued safety warnings, posted signs and threatened fines up to $500.
If you spend any time on or near the UC Merced campus, it won’t take long to notice them.
They’re fresh-faced college students zipping from place to place on electric scooters, e-bikes and e-skateboards.
The micromobility devices, as they are known, are a good way for students to get around campus quickly and easily. But they can also be dangerous if not ridden properly.
On Oct. 14, just a few weeks into the fall semester, there had been so many collisions that campus safety officials had to publish a warning to students.
The collisions resulted in “injuries that required medical attention and ambulance transport,” the message said. “While these devices are a sustainable and convenient way to travel short distances, their growing presence on campus has created safety risks for both riders and pedestrians.”
On Oct. 18, just days after the warning was published, an 18-year-old UC Merced student on an e-scooter was seriously injured after being hit by a car at an intersection near campus. The incident left the student hospitalized in critical condition.
While the student has partially recovered, the incident highlights the rising dangers of students riding micromobility devices on campus.
Those dangers have forced UC Merced to action.
What can UC Merced and other universities do?
To spread the word on safety, UC Merced has posted signs across the campus and shared videos on social media encouraging safe riding. UC Merced, which does not rent out micromobility devices, has a speed limit of 15 mph; most e-scooters can exceed 20 mph.
Some of the signs say “Slow Your Roll” — asking students to slow down. Others point out a “Dismount Zone,” where students are required get off their devices and walk.
Tonantzin Oseguera, UC Merced’s vice chancellor for student affairs and engagement, said in an email that the education campaign is already paying off.
“Early indicators are encouraging,” Oseguera said. “Since implementing clearer signage, targeted safety messaging, and increased education during the first weeks of the semester, we’ve seen a noticeable decline in incidents.
“Just as important, we’re seeing a small cultural shift, more students wearing helmets, slowing down in shared pathways, and being mindful of pedestrians.”
According to UC Merced’s Interim Micromobility Policy, students not following the rules, “may face citations, fines up to $500, impoundment of devices, and possible disciplinary action.”
UC Merced study will shape policy
The university is conducting a study through Jan. 12 “to help shape the final version” of its micromobility policy.
Said Oseguera, “The study gives us an opportunity to truly understand how micromobility devices are used on campus, where students travel, what safety challenges they encounter, and how we can improve infrastructure and education to support responsible riding.”
Oseguera also said there is no plan to ban the devices any time soon. That should be welcome news to UC Merced students who rely on them to get around campus.
“At this time, we are not considering a full ban,” Oseguera said. “Micromobility devices have become an important mode of transportation for many of our students, especially given the size of our campus and the limited public transportation options in the region.”
“If future data indicates that additional measures are needed, we would approach those decisions thoughtfully ... Our priority is and will remain the safety and well-being of everyone at UC Merced.”
This story was originally published December 10, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "E-scooter crashes at UC Merced cause changes on campus. What’s being done?."
