U Of I Bans Hoverboards Across Urbana Campus
In this Oct. 5, 2015 file photo, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver B.J. Daniels rides through a hallway at CenturyLink Field on an electric self-balancing scooter commonly called a "hoverboard," as he arrives for an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Seattle. Elaine Thompson/Associated Press
The University of Illinois' flagship campus has broadened its ban on hoverboards to cover all of its buildings and other campus facilities. The university last week told students the two-wheeled scooters were prohibited in campus housing but widened that restriction Tuesday.
A university news release said the ban was put in place over fire-safety concerns related to the batteries that power hoverboards. Some have caught fire. Students are still allowed to ride hoverboards outdoors.
That ban takes effect January 18th. "We have consulted with our fire protection providers and determined that it is prudent for the safety of our campus community to recommend that all battery-powered self-balancing personal transportation devices be prohibited in our campus facilities at this time,” said Craig Grant, the U of I's director of campus code compliance and fire safety.
“Until sufficient regulations exist to ensure the safety and safe storage of these vehicles, it is important that our community members comply with these restrictions to keep themselves and others safe," said U of I Deputy Chief of Police Skip Frost.
The University of Illinois-Chicago last week was considering a similar ban. At least 20 U.S. universities have banned or restricted hoverboards in recent weeks.