Hoverboard Restrictions Added to Existing Transportation Policy

In a statement made by the Division of Campus Safety and Emergency Services and the Department of Public Safety, Syracuse University is temporarily prohibiting the use of self-balancing motorized scooters, or hoverboards, after national research continues to identify growing concerns that the devices are prone to explosion and catching fire. More than 30 colleges and universities, as well as major airlines and public transportation departments across the nation, have already banned the boards from use.

In response to these safety concerns, the University is instituting a temporary ban on the possession, storage and/or use of hoverboards on University property, including in all University-owned or -controlled buildings, facilities, residence halls, South Campus apartments and other structures.

“There is mounting evidence supporting that hoverboards are prone to explosions, fires and pose a threat to consumers,” says Tony Callisto, senior vice president for safety and chief law enforcement officer. “The University has conducted a thorough analysis of the early research and has concluded that there exists a serious safety threat to our community. This is the responsible decision to keep our campus safe.”

The National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are continuing to investigate hazards associated with hoverboards. The University will continue to monitor that research and will revisit the hoverboard ban as needed.

According to the Syracuse University policy, first-time violators of the hoverboard policy will be issued a formal warning and given the opportunity to immediately remove the device from University property. Failure to remove a hoverboard from University property in a timely manner may result in confiscation of the device. Further penalties will apply to faculty, staff, students or visitors who do not comply with the policy.

Faculty, staff, or students who have questions about the ban on hoverboards should contact Chief Callisto at 315-443-5480 or acallist@syr.edu.