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Student Mobility Is Changing. Is Your Campus Ready?

The way students get to and from school is evolving. While walking, school buses, family vehicles, and public transportation remain common modes of transportation, more California students are turning to e-bikes, electric scooters, skateboards, and other personal mobility devices as part of their daily commute.

These emerging transportation options offer convenience, independence, and flexibility for students and families. They also introduce new safety considerations that districts must evaluate as part of their broader risk management efforts.

As mobility patterns continue to shift, school leaders have an opportunity to proactively assess potential exposures, strengthen safety practices, and create environments that support both student well-being and operational efficiency.

Understanding today's student mobility environment

Student mobility extends beyond transportation alone. It includes how students access campus, navigate school grounds, move between facilities, and interact with surrounding traffic systems throughout the school day.

In many California communities, e-bikes and electric scooters have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and affordability. At the same time, districts continue to manage traditional transportation challenges, including pedestrian safety, bicycle traffic, student drivers, school bus operations, and vehicle congestion during arrival and dismissal.

As transportation options diversify, school districts must continually evaluate whether existing safety measures and infrastructure align with current student travel behaviors.

Key mobility risks facing school districts

Transportation-related incidents can occur both on and off campus and often involve a combination of environmental, operational, and behavioral factors.

Common areas of concern include:

• Congested drop-off and pick-up zones
• Interactions between pedestrians and vehicles
• Increased use of e-bikes and electric scooters
• Bicycle and skateboard-related incidents
• Unsafe crossings near school sites
• Distracted driving among student motorists
• Limited parking or storage areas for personal mobility devices
• Traffic conflicts during athletic events and other extracurricular activities

Many campuses were designed before the widespread adoption of micromobility devices. As a result, pathways, access points, parking areas, and traffic circulation plans may not fully account for today's transportation realities.

The growing impact of e-bikes and scooters

E-bikes and electric scooters represent one of the fastest-growing transportation trends among California students.

While these devices can provide practical transportation solutions, they also create unique risk considerations. Higher travel speeds, varying levels of rider experience, inconsistent helmet use, and increased interaction with vehicles and pedestrians can contribute to a greater likelihood of accidents when appropriate safeguards are not in place.

Districts may benefit from evaluating whether existing transportation and traffic management strategies adequately address the presence of these devices. Areas for review may include:

• Designated parking and storage locations
• Arrival and dismissal procedures
• Student safety education and training
• Family communication and awareness efforts
• Campus traffic flow and circulation patterns

Rather than viewing e-bikes and scooters as isolated concerns, districts should consider how they fit within a comprehensive transportation safety strategy.

Connecting mobility safety to risk management

Student mobility is closely tied to a district's broader safety and risk management efforts.

Whether addressing transportation safety, emergency preparedness, or student wellness initiatives, the most effective programs share a common characteristic: they focus on identifying risks before incidents occur and implementing practical strategies to reduce exposure.

For example, schools regularly plan for environmental and operational risks that can affect student safety. As discussed in our blog, Heat Illness Awareness for California Student Athletics, proactive planning, education, and risk mitigation strategies can help reduce the likelihood of injury and improve outcomes when incidents occur. The same principles apply to student transportation and mobility safety.

By evaluating transportation patterns, reviewing campus infrastructure, and reinforcing safe behaviors, districts can take meaningful steps to reduce transportation-related risks while supporting a safer school environment.

Building a safer mobility program

Effective mobility safety programs require collaboration among district leaders, transportation personnel, families, students, and community partners.

Prioritize Safety Education

Provide ongoing education and awareness regarding:

• Proper helmet use
• Traffic laws and regulations
• Pedestrian safety
• Safe operation of e-bikes and scooters
• Crosswalk and roadway awareness
• Respectful sharing of pathways and common areas

Evaluate Campus Infrastructure

Regularly assess campus features and surrounding traffic conditions, including:

• Bike and scooter parking locations
• Crosswalk visibility
• Sidewalk and pathway conditions
• Student drop-off and pick-up areas
• Traffic signage and directional controls
• Campus access and entry points

Review Policies and Procedures

Ensure student handbooks, administrative regulations, and campus expectations clearly address transportation safety and the use of personal mobility devices.

Monitor Trends and Incidents

Tracking transportation-related accidents, near misses, and safety concerns can help districts identify emerging patterns and prioritize future improvements.

A proactive approach to risk management

School leaders are continually adapting to new and evolving risks that affect students, staff, and school operations. The rapid growth of e-bikes, scooters, and other personal mobility devices is one example of how changing behaviors and technologies can create new safety considerations for districts.

Managing these emerging exposures requires more than reacting to incidents after they occur. It requires ongoing assessment, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Just as districts monitor changes in regulations, liability exposures, and operational risks, they should regularly evaluate how student transportation trends may impact campus safety.

Staying informed about broader developments affecting California schools can help districts make more informed decisions and better anticipate future challenges. Keenan's California P&C Legislative Summary provides insights into emerging legislative and regulatory issues that may influence risk management priorities across educational organizations.

Key takeaway

The rise of e-bikes, scooters, and other personal mobility devices is reshaping how students travel to and from school. By taking a proactive, risk-informed approach to mobility planning, California school districts can enhance safety, reduce potential exposures, and better support the needs of today's students and families.