Electric Bikes and Scooters

Residence Life Policy Pertaining to Bicycles

Bicycle and Motorcycle policy in the Office of Residence Life Guidelines.

UMass Lowell Bicycle Removal Policy and Procedure

Hazard Bicycles

Bicycles parked in ways that could be an emergency hazard or potential safety hazard will be subject to immediate removal and impoundment by campus police.

Junk Bicycles

Bicycles that are obviously inoperable or significantly rusted will be subject to immediate removal and impoundment by campus police.

Abandoned Bicycles

Bikes suspected of being abandoned will:

• Be tagged as abandoned and left for the owner to recover for a period of 14 days.
• Be searched in the bicycle registration database and owner notified if possible.
• Have a small string or survey tape tied through the front wheel to determine if bicycle has been moved within the tagging period.
• Be photographed and logged in the police log.

Impoundment of Bicycles

If bike has not been moved or retrieved after the 14 day tagging period:

• Lock will be cut and bike impounded to storage in evidence. Locks will be kept with bicycles.
• Bike will be searched in the bicycle registration database and owner notified if possible.
• Bike will be listed on the police evidence and impoundment log.
• Bike will be held in evidence for 90 Days.

Claim an Impounded Bicycle

Impounded bicycles may be claimed in person at the UMass Lowell Police station.

UMass Lowell Police Department
Meehan Student Center
100 Meehan Way (220 Pawtucket St.), Suite 170
Lowell, MA 01854

To claim a bicycle the owner must provide reasonable proof of ownership such as:

• Photo of bike prior to the impoundment
• Ability to unlock the lock
• Registration
• Serial number
• Ownership documentation
• Knowledge of unique identifiers
• Make
• Model
• Location it was last parked

All bicycles being claimed must be registered before being released to owner.

Unclaimed Bicycles

Bicycles left unclaimed will be evaluated by the UMass Lowell Bike Shop and be either:

• Refurbished and sold as used, or
• Salvaged for usable parts and recycled.

• Park outside on designated bike racks.
• Ride primarily on the road with the flow of traffic, observe stop signs and traffic lights.
• Utilize bike lanes and shared paths where possible.
• Park or store equipment in ways that do not obstruct paths, exits, or limit access to public areas.

• Use front white light and rear red light, mounted to equipment or rider at night.
• Stay aware! Don’t use your phone or headphones while riding.

• Use verbal prompts, hand signals, and eye contact to communicate with others.
• Dismount in congested pedestrian areas and ride at walking pace on sidewalks.

• Wear a helmet when riding, every time!
• Use a U-style lock, not a cable when securing to a bike rack.
• E-Riders and cyclists are also highly encouraged to register their equipment.

• Stop using your e-ride if you notice any problems with the battery: unusual odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking, smoking, or not keeping a charge. Never leave your equipment charging while unattended.
• Use only original devices, batteries and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab. Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• Charging e-scooters in any buildings or facilities on campus, including residential halls, is prohibited.