Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), such as bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, rollerblades, and skateboards—are a popular way to get to and around campus. While they are generally permitted, their use comes with responsibilities. Riders must follow campus guidelines as well as applicable city and regional bylaws to ensure the safety of themselves and the community. This page provides guidance on safe PMD use on campus, along with important information on lithium-ion battery safety, storage, and disposal.
Damage or loss to personal property should be reported to Campus Security.
General Use on Campus
Indoor use or riding of PMDs in University buildings is prohibited.
PMDs must not be stored in hallways, stairwells, or common areas where they may obstruct pathways, exits, or create trip hazards. Bicycles should be stored at designated racks. View bike rack locations on the online Trent Map (under Parking & Transit).
Outdoor use of electronic PMDs should be kept to roads, designated bike lanes, or multi-purpose trails. Use of human-powered devices on sidewalks is permitted, as long as the device is operated in a courteous and safe manner. Avoid use of PMDs in high-traffic areas or times of the day.
Electric Kick-Scooters (E-Scooters)
Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program allows municipalities to decide whether electric kick-scooters may be operated on public roads and other public spaces within their jurisdiction. Municipalities must opt into the provincial pilot program and establish local rules before e-scooters can be legally operated in public. The pilot program, originally introduced in 2020, has been extended until November 27, 2029.
Peterborough (Symons Campus and Traill Colllege) - Trent University is aligned with the City of Peterborough regarding the use of electric kick-scooters (e-scooters). At this time, e-scooters are not permitted on public roads, sidewalks, trails, paths, or other public spaces in Peterborough, as the City has not opted into Ontario’s provincial e-scooter pilot program. This restriction applies specifically to electric kick-scooters and does not prohibit other permitted personal mobility devices, such as bicycles, human-powered scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, or permitted e-bikes, when used in accordance with University guidelines and applicable municipal requirements.
Durham GTA - The Region of Durham has opeted-in to the e-scooter pilot project. Accordingly, e-scooters are allowed on the Durham GTA campus.
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety, Charging, Storage & Certification
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops, and electronic PMDs (e-bikes, scooters, etc.). While generally safe, these batteries can pose fire risks if they are not handled or stored appropriately. To reduce these risks, only used devices and charges that are certified by accredited Canadian bodies such as CSA, cUL, or cETL. Equipment that does not meet these standards should not be brought to campus.
Charging of electronic PMDs should be completed before arriving on campus whenever possible. If absolutely necessary and you are charging a device on campus, do not leave it unattended. Only use the charger supplied by the manufacturer. Once a battery is full, it should be disconnected from the charger. Charging should take place on hard, non-flammable surfaces such as concrete or tile, away from exits, flammable materials, and direct sunlight. Batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated areas and within a safe temperature range—ideally between 10°C and 30°C. Charging in sub-zero or very hot conditions can damage the cells and increase fire risk.
When storing PMDs or spare batteries, choose a cool, dry location away from direct heat or humidity. For long-term storage, it is best to keep batteries at around 60 percent charge. Batteries should be inspected regularly, and any that are swollen, discoloured, leaking, or unable to hold a charge should be replaced immediately.
Lithium batteries must never be placed in garbage, recycling, or compost bins. They are considered hazardous waste and should be taken to municipal hazardous waste depots or collection programs in your area. In Durham Region and Peterborough, local depots accept lithium batteries, and some municipalities also offer scheduled hazardous waste collection services. Damaged batteries should be disposed of as soon as possible through these programs.
If a battery begins to give off an unusual odor, becomes excessively hot, changes shape, leaks, smokes, or loses its ability to hold a charge, stop using it immediately and arrange for safe disposal.
Emergency procedures in case of a fire
• Evacuate the area immediately and activate the nearest pull station.
• Call 911, then Campus Security at 705-748-1333 (Peterborough), 905-435-5111 (Oshawa).
Resources
City of Peterborough - By-Law Number 14-096
City of Peterborough - Walking and Cycling
Durham Region - About E-mobility
NFPA - Safety with E-Bikes and E-Scooters
Last Revised: September 10, 2025