Abandoned Device Removal Process

Reasons for Removal

Abandoned, damaged or immobile devices represent potential safety hazards and take up valuable parking spaces for those who actively use their devices on campus. Micromobility parking locations are for temporary parking, not for storage of devices.

If you need to store your bicycle seasonally, please refer to our storage webpage:

Devices are removed and impounded with 14 days’ notice if they are:
  1. Abandoned (e.g. unregistered with the university or not displaying a proper registration sticker, rusted chain, deflated tires, leaves and debris present, obviously not in use)
  2. Continuously parked and unmoved from the same location for multiple days
Devices are removed and impounded without warning if they are:
  1. Parked improperly, i.e. anywhere other than a bicycle rack or designated parking pad
  2. Damaged, in disrepair or immobile (e.g. bent wheels, handlebars, missing parts)
  3. Impeding the completion of project work, construction or necessary facility repairs

Removal Process

Parking Operations regularly identifies, tags and removes abandoned bicycles and EMPVs across campus. The following outlines the process and how you can report or reclaim a device.

Reporting an Abandoned Device

If you suspect a bicycle or EMPV has been abandoned, please email parking@purdue.edu with:

  • The reason for the removal request
  • The location of the device
  • A description (color, make, model, etc.)

Tagging and Notice of Removal

When a device is identified as abandoned, Parking Operations will tag it with a removal notice, allowing the owner time to move it before impoundment.

Residential or academic buildings: 14 days to remove after the tag date

Córdova Recreational Sports Center or athletic buildings: 5 days to remove after the tag date

Impoundment

Devices that remain after the removal period will be impounded.

  • You must provide proof of ownership to retrieve a device. This can include registration through 529 Garage, being able to unlock the bike’s lock with a key or code or having a receipt for purchase that includes the serial number.
  • A $15 fine will be assessed and must be paid before the device will be released.
  • If your device is not already registered through the 529 Garage mobile app, it must be registered at the time of retrieval from Parking Operations.

Parking Operations will maintain a record of all bicycles/EMPVs removed that includes the bicycle/EMPV color, make and model, serial number and registration number (if available). Parking Operations is not responsible for damage incurred to device or device lock during impound and storage process.  

Recovery Process

If you believe your bike/EMPV may have been removed by Purdue personnel and you would like to retrieve it, contact parking@purdue.edu or call 765-494-9497.   

Registered devices: Owners will be contacted using their registration information and have 48 hours to retrieve their device.

Non-registered devices: May be claimed within 90 days with proof of ownership. If the device is not claimed during that time, it is assumed to be a gift to the university and will be transferred to the Purdue Surplus Store to be sold.

Any device that is retrieved 60 days or later will incur a storage fee.

To claim a bicycle/EMPV/skateboard which has been impounded, the owner must present a government issued ID or Purdue ID and at least two of the following:

  • the devices’s serial number
  • a receipt of purchase
  • photos of you with the device
  • a description of any unique features of the device
  • a registration with an online bike/EMPV/skateboard registration service which pre-dates the theft/impounding of the device

New bike locks can be purchased from the Parking Operations office or the Purdue Surplus Store.

Report Your Missing/Stolen Device

If you believe your device has been lost or stolen on campus, complete a non-emergency report.

Report Theft