Written by Office of Sustainability student associate, Wissal Boudaoud, Class of 2025
WashU is moving into a new era for e-mobility devices on campus. Gone are the days of scrambling to find an outlet to charge your electric bikes, skateboards, or scooters. Thanks to WashU’s initiatives to support a more sustainable campus, two e-mobility charging hubs were recently installed.
Locations
The e-mobility charging hubs were installed at each of the two on-campus residential housing sites, the South 40 and the Village. Now you can charge your device when you’re back in your residential district and have it ready to ride for class the next day.
Possible Expansions
WashU is committed to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable transportation system on campus while prioritizing safety, so the university will evaluate future charging hub locations based on feedback and demand.
Important Charging Hub Habits
Remember to be mindful of other users and to unplug your device once it’s done charging. This allows others to access outlets, ensuring fair charging opportunities. For the South 40 location, bike riders with longer cables should try to be considerate of those using the skateboard rack (will be added in summer 2024) and position their devices accordingly so that the outlets closer to the skateboard rack are available to those who need them.
It is also important to make sure you close the outlet cover once you’ve finished charging your device in order to maintain its safety and functionality. By making an effort to practice these habits regularly, we can work together as a community to sustain a convenient charging station all riders can benefit from.
Please keep in mind that charging indoors is a potential safety risk and against Residential Life guidelines. Always charge your e-mobility devices outside.
Safety and Repair for Mobility Devices
To protect your e-mobility devices, remember to always lock them onto provided racks. Bikers can purchase a high-quality U-lock from WUPD at a discounted price of $33. For bikes, make sure to lock both the frame and the rear wheel to prevent loss. WashU also offers free bike registration through Project 529. Scooter owners may also utilize this registration program. You can then receive your registration sticker from the Parking and Transportation office, located in the Ann Whitney Olin Women’s Building. The shield sticker can help deter theft, and should your bike be stolen, having your bike in the system can help with prompt identification. Be sure to follow registration instructions so that your registration sticker is tied to your identity.
If any damage occurs to your device, bike repair stations are located at several locations across the Danforth campus, including at the South 40 charging hub location. Bears Bikes on the South 40 also provides repair services, and for a free bike tune-up, you can visit the commuter fair during active transportation months in October and April!
Why Micromobility?
Micromobility serves as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation for short urban trips. Biking or riding a scooter can also help ease traffic flow and alleviate traffic congestion.
By opting for an 8 minute bike ride over a 5 minute drive, for example, an individual can help reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, contributing to a healthier and cleaner environment. Active modes of transportation also provide the rider with many health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health. Micromobility not only promotes the health of the environment, but your own well-being.