If you have spent any time walking across campus, you’ve probably seen someone speeding by on a scooter or electric skateboard. Maybe you’ve even had to sidestep as one zipped past a little too close for comfort. These devices have become increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. They are portable, stylish, can cut travel time between classes and are fun to ride, in my opinion. But are they really necessary on a campus as small as ours? From my perspective, the answer is no. While scooters and boards are cool and I don’t think they’re a serious hazard, I also don’t see them as something students really need here.

The case for convenience
It’s undeniable that scooters and skateboards save time. If you’re juggling back-to-back classes across campus, those extra minutes can make a difference. For students who also have jobs, club meetings, or other commitments, having a quick mode of transportation can ease the stress of rushing from one place to another. On a larger campus, where distances are longer and walking might take 20 minutes or more, the convenience factor is even stronger. I can completely understand why students at schools like that would consider scooters essential. Here, though, I don’t see the same necessity. Our campus is small enough that walking rarely takes more than ten minutes. Personally, I enjoy those short walks. They give me a chance to clear my head, catch up with friends, or just take a breather between classes. A scooter might shave off a few minutes, but it doesn’t feel like a big enough benefit for me to invest in one.

Resources for students who need extra help
That said, I do see how scooters and boards could be helpful for certain students. Not everyone finds walking long distances easy. Students with health conditions, temporary injuries, or just packed schedules may find scooters genuinely useful. Just because I don’t feel the need for one doesn’t mean I can’t see the value they might provide to others.

Are they a hazard?

A big part of this debate is safety. Some people argue that scooters and skateboards are disruptive or dangerous. In my experience, though, I haven’t seen them as a major hazard. Most students ride responsibly and while it can be a little startling to have one zoom by, I’ve never felt like I was truly in danger. Compared to cars or even bikes in crowded areas, scooters are pretty manageable. With a little courtesy on the rider’s part, like slowing down near crowds or giving people space, they don’t have to be a problem.

At the end of the day, I think a lot of the appeal of scooters and skateboards comes down to the “cool factor.” There’s something fun about gliding across campus while everyone else is walking and there’s nothing wrong with that! If someone wants to ride one because they enjoy it, I don’t see an issue. I just don’t think they’re necessary on a campus this size. For me, the walk between classes is short enough that I’d rather save my money and stick to my own two feet. But I don’t have a problem with other students making a different choice. If they want to cruise by on a scooter or skateboard, that’s their decision and honestly, it does look fun.