RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH USE

The potential risks involved in the use of micro-mobility vehicles are related to the following main aspects:

• the possibility of slipping, falling or impacting against obstacles;
• the possibility of being run over by other vehicles;
• the possibility of running over passing or crossing pedestrians.

In addition to these, potential risks related to the presence of electric batteries must be taken into account, as discussed below.

PARKING RISKS

Parking and standing in inappropriate places/positions and ways can create dangerous situations, in particular:

Unsuitable parking in open spaces can lead to tripping or bumping hazards for passers-by. Parking in front of or next to emergency exits can create an obstacle to the proper handling of any emergencies.

Failure to park or store vehicles correctly within enclosed spaces may result in the following risks:

• risk of tripping and obstruction of the internal road system;
• risk of obstruction in the event of an emergency and/or evacuation of the building;
• other electrical/fire/explosion risks, related to potential malfunction or failure of the battery or other electrical components, as specified in the following paragraph. 

BATTERY-RELATED RISKS (CHARGING, USE AND PARKING)

Medium-power lithium-ion batteries, with which the most common micro electric mobility vehicles are generally equipped, are associated with a risk related to heating and potential subsequent fire, which can occur during the charging process, but also during storage, under particular conditions that will be described below.

The use of lithium-ion batteries is to be considered absolutely safe under normal conditions of use and if the battery is free of defects, is correctly handled and maintained (according to the manufacturer's instructions), has not suffered any shocks and/or damage, has not exceeded its expiry date (if indicated by the manufacturer) and has not been affected by 'premature ageing'. 

Conversely, in the presence of construction defects and/or damage, hazardous conditions can arise, both during charging, during use, and during simple storage. The state of the art in the field of risk analysis related to the use of lithium batteries has highlighted some main causes that can lead to accidents, with considerable damage to people and property, mainly due to the potential triggering of fires or more or less significant explosions, and these are:

• thermal overload caused by external energy or heat sources (e.g. high ambient temperatures), resulting in overheating of the system
• mechanical damage in combination with the high energy density of the battery (e.g. as a result of an impact or an accident);
• electrical overload during charging or discharging (e.g. due to a manufacturing defect in the electronic protection or chargers, or the use of chargers not supplied with the device);
• complete discharge, which causes instability, resulting in an internal short circuit and overheating of the system;
• improper storage, in environments with extreme temperatures or high humidity levels (this can affect the performance of stored batteries and increase the likelihood of overheating)
• premature ageing that brings the storage system (battery) into the realm of chemical-physical instability.

The use of micromobility vehicles is reserved exclusively for home-work journeys for Sapienza employees and workers (if approved in accordance with Law 28.02.2020, no. 8 - see Le regole per i monopattini elettrici | Ministero dell‘Interno), and is not provided for during working hours.

The vehicles must be properly maintained, with particular regard to the efficiency of the braking system and tyre condition or, more generally, the grip of the wheels.

Vehicles must be operated in full compliance with traffic laws, and concentration must be maintained while driving.

The use of cell phones or other devices that can divert the driver's attention while driving is prohibited.

Within Sapienza premises, in view of the significant flow of vehicles (cars, motorcycles, vans and other commercial vehicles) and pedestrians, micro-electric mobility vehicles may only be used on specific paths (cycle paths or specific sustainable mobility paths) and on streets where motorised traffic is permitted (roads open to cars), always in compliance with traffic laws and horizontal and vertical signs, paying special attention to other vehicles passing by.

We recommend the correct handling and maintenance of batteries (please refer to the manufacturer's instructions) and to replace the battery immediately in the event of knocks, damage or abnormal overheating.

Please remember not to use alcoholic beverages or other substances that impair reflexes and driving ability before driving.

Electric micro-mobility vehicles may be parked in areas specially equipped and/or prepared for this purpose by Sapienza.

If there are no areas specially equipped or specific for this purpose, or if there are no spaces available in such areas, it is in any case not possible to park such vehicles in the following ways:

• in front of emergency doors or along escape routes (marked by green safety signs);
• in such a way as to obstruct access to and/or use of emergency management devices (marked by red safety signs);
• inside lecture rooms;
• inside laboratories;
• in offices;
• in the vicinity of chemical storage cabinets;
• in the vicinity of combustible and/or flammable materials;
• in the vicinity of workstations.

In this regard, please note the provisions of the "Regolamento accesso e sosta nelle aree in superficie ed interrate della Città Universitaria" no. 0110612 of December 6, 2022:
"Bicycles and scooters, vehicles without number plates, have free access exclusively to the surface area of the Main Campus and must be deposited in the designated racks and parking spaces, until all available spaces are used up."

We recommend the correct handling and maintenance of batteries (please refer to the manufacturer's instructions) and to replace the battery immediately in the event of knocks, damage or abnormal overheating.

In relation to what is reported in the paragraph "RISK INFORMATION" and in consideration of the obligations imposed by Legislative Decree 81/2008 concerning the electrical risk, which require the employer to take the necessary measures so that workers are safeguarded from all electrical risks connected to the use of the materials, equipment and electrical systems made available to them, the following is presented.

Since it is not possible, at present, to identify procedures to ensure the correct and effective application of the prevention and protection measures required to manage the risks associated with the process of recharging personal electrical micro-mobility devices within Sapienza, in compliance with the requirements of Legislative Decree 81/2008 and subsequent amendments and additions, concerning the need to eliminate the risks that can be eliminated, the following indications are provided.

It is forbidden for anyone to recharge the following devices on Sapienza premises and/or through Sapienza's electrical networks

• electric scooters
• electric bicycles;
• hoverboards;
• other vehicles, pedal-powered vehicles or micro-electric devices similar to these;
• batteries relating to the vehicles and devices on this list.

Without prejudice to the ban on recharging within Sapienza in the absence of specific recharging stations, here are some prevention measures that can be taken in daily life to reduce the risk, but not eliminate it, which are:regularly inspect the battery, including casing, connectors and wiring (to identify any signs of physical damage, such as dents or cracks).

• use proper charging practices, following the manufacturer's guidelines and avoiding the use of chargers not recommended or supplied by the manufacturer. Also, avoid overcharging the battery by disconnecting it from the charger once it has reached full capacity.
• store batteries in optimal conditions, i.e. in a cool, dry place and avoid storing them in areas exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
• avoid overuse and monitor the temperature of the battery, allowing it to cool down periodically, even during longer rides, and especially allow a minimum time between the end of the ride and recharging the battery to allow it to cool.

We recommend the correct handling and maintenance of batteries (refer to the manufacturer's instructions), and to replace the battery immediately in the event of shock, damage or abnormal overheating.