Angles: Should Augustana ban electric scooters?
Whether whisking past students on the sidewalk or parked in front of university buildings, electric scooters have become a staple of the Augustana campus. These tools have become so normalized that it would be worrisome if they were absent from our bike racks and dorm buildings.
As of this month, signs were placed in buildings requesting that scooters not be brought inside, which was cited as a potential hazard. This begs the question: Have these speed-racing devices been helping our students make it to their classes on time, or have they really been posing as obstacles for those who have almost been run over, with the only crime of walking on their campus?
Students are uncertain whether additional regulations for scooters will be implemented in the future — or if such regulations are warranted.
In such a technologically advanced era, our campus must remain open-minded to new tools that aid students’ lives. Since we’ve never experienced this phenomenon, we have also never had these discussions. For the first time, our generation must consider the impact of these motorized vehicles.
Below, two students discuss their personal experiences with electric scooters on campus and whether they believe scooters should be allowed.
Madisyn Stogsdill, Forum Editor
Yes, campus is not that big
Johnny Moore is a sophomore communications and journalism double major.
Augustana is about 100 acres of land and has 1 million square feet of building space throughout its facilities. That may sound like a lot, but it isn’t — especially compared to many other universities across the nation.
To me, it does not seem feasible to need electric scooters on a campus the size of Augustana. Many students riding these scooters are seen carelessly flying by, sometimes almost running over other innocent pedestrians.
Why are they going so fast and occasionally cutting people off? Are they going to be late? How could they be late if they have an electric scooter?
I have patellofemoral pain syndrome in both of my knees, which can make walking and other activities painful at times. Regardless, when I walk on campus, it does not seem to aggravate my condition at all.
I choose to walk for my own health, as the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease.
For most, walking is easy, and everyone should do it daily. Scooter-riding students are missing out on valuable exercise. It’s the one exercise that most people do every day without realizing it — the simplest form of cardio.
Electric scooter usage on campus also enables laziness, which can have potential negative effects, such as anxiety on the mind and obesity on the body.
These problematic effects can also contribute to heart disease or even to deterioration in one’s mental health.
On top of this, many students who major in something specific usually have most or several of their classes in the same academic building that’s tailored to their field of study.
All my classes this semester are in the Fryxell Humanities Center. This, of course, will vary for students double- or triple-majoring in fields that are different from each other. Still, the infrastructure on campus is all relatively close together.
Where the scooter riders carelessly abandon and park their scooters is also worth mentioning.
There should be no reason for me to be happily walking inside any of the buildings on campus and then notice an electric scooter leaning against a random area that it shouldn’t be in, simultaneously creating a massive trip hazard.
One day I was leaving the Humanities building and almost walked into a scooter that was dumped basically in front of one of the side doors. Rude!
Fortunately, I am not the only one who feels this way. Associate Vice President of Campus Safety Rick Tupper sent out an email to the student body on Oct. 9 regarding new rules about electric scooters on campus — one of these being that scooters are not allowed inside any of the campus buildings.
I do not know Tupper personally, but this is the best email I have ever received from him. I hope to meet him soon, shake his hand and give him a big “Thank you” for his advocacy about safety when it comes to electric scooter usage at Augustana.
I understand wanting to ride an electric scooter for efficiency, but this campus is not big. Moreover, physical health, mental health and safety for Augustana students and staff seems to be of far greater importance.
No, students depend on them
Theo Tuunelis is a freshman exploring major.
As a student athlete, managing my time is one of the most difficult parts of my routine. My days are often packed with early morning practices, long classes, team meetings and study sessions.
Because of this, having a form of transportation that helps me move quickly and efficiently around campus is not just a convenience — it’s a necessity.
Electric scooters have become a huge part of how many students, including myself, stay organized and on time.
Banning scooters would make it harder for students to keep up with their busy schedules and remove a simple, eco-friendly tool that helps us balance demands.
Getting from one class to another on campus or from the dorms to the practice fields can take a long time, especially when you’re carrying heavy bags or sports gear.
For someone like me who has to rush between classes and practices, every minute matters.
Scooters allow me to travel quickly without wasting valuable time or energy walking long distances. After an intense practice or workout, it’s exhausting to walk across campus, especially when I’m already sore and tired.
Riding a scooter lets me recover faster and still make it to class on time without feeling rushed or worn out. In a way, they help me manage my body better and perform at my best — both as a student and as an athlete.
Secondly, scooters are environmentally friendly and help make campuses more sustainable. Electric scooters in particular don’t produce harmful emissions like cars do, which means they’re a great way to reduce pollution.
By allowing scooters, schools can support a greener campus and show that they care about sustainability. It’s a small but meaningful way for students to do their part for the environment while still staying productive and efficient.
Another major benefit of scooters is that they make campus life accessible.
Some students have health conditions, injuries or time constraints that make walking long distances difficult.
Scooters give them an option that’s quick, affordable and easy to use.
Of course, there are safety concerns about scooters: Accidents can happen, especially when people ride recklessly or ignore traffic rules. But banning scooters completely is not the solution.
Instead, schools should focus on creating safer conditions for scooter use. This could include designated scooter lanes, parking areas, speed limits and safety education. Encouraging students to wear helmets and ride responsibly would prevent most of the issues that people worry about.
Scooters are more than just a convenient way to get around — they represent freedom, responsibility and balance. For busy students like myself, they are an important part of managing time and energy in a demanding schedule.
Instead of banning scooters, schools should promote their safe and responsible use. Colleges can support student success while building a campus that is environmentally friendly and accessible.
Scooters don’t just make our days easier. They make our lives as students more manageable, productive and sustainable. With clear rules and smart planning, scooters can be both safe and beneficial for everyone on campus.
