E-Bike Ban Completes Princeton’s Crackdown on Personal Electric Vehicles
For students living on campus, all e-bikes must be removed before June 1
Princeton University announced a total ban of e-bikes from restricted zones on campus beginning June 1, marking a decisive end to the major exception in the personal electric vehicle (PEV) policy in place since 2024.
The new policy, published on April 13, prohibits the use, storage, parking, and charging of e-bikes on the majority of campus property with exceptions for riding on main roadways, such as Washington Road. The Lakeside, Lawrence, and Meadows graduate apartments are outside the restricted zone. For students living on campus, all e-bikes must be removed before June 1. Any found afterward will be treated as abandoned property and confiscated without the possibility of return.
The change comes after “a lot of concerns about how e-bikes are affecting the pedestrian experience on campus,” as Kelly States, director of campus safety and health, explained at a December meeting of the Council of the Princeton University Community. E-bikes had been allowed to be used as traditional bicycles on pedestrian paths, but many riders failed to follow the guidelines. Some students who favored the ban told PAW they were not willing to speak on the record because of bullying on the anonymous campus app Fizz.
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A policy that depends on students deciding to follow the rules has largely been ignored
Cara Escarment ’28 said she feels the confiscation policy unfairly penalizes the many for the bad behavior of the few. “Just because I bought an e-bike two years ago, I’m being punished,” she said. “Now I would either have to waste money and buy a regular bike, or I have to give up my bike.”
Ife Oluborode ’28, a member of the football team, said the total ban disregards the efficiency e-bikes have afforded students, particularly athletes. “Regulations could be placed on the time that e-bikes can be used,” he said. “Like if there’s a morning slot where athletes are able to use it from 6 to 8 a.m., maybe we can find a middle ground.” Oluborode also faulted the University for relying too heavily on student compliance rather than active enforcement before resorting to an outright ban.
Following the announcement, “Cash 4 E-Bikes” posters quickly appeared around campus, offering a quick exchange before the ban takes effect and move-out begins. Some riders are considering the option, though many said they feel the offers significantly undercut the value of their bikes.
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