Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin in Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY has announced a new safety policy prohibiting students from traveling to and from yeshiva using any electric mode of transportation, including electric bicycles, electric scooters, hoverboards, Segways, and similar devices.

In a letter sent to parents ahead of the coming school year, the yeshiva administration said the decision was made out of concern for student safety and reflects its broader responsibility to safeguard the well-being of its talmidim.

The letter notes that the recently concluded school year brought significant growth and success for students and states that, as the yeshiva prepares for the coming academic year, it is implementing an important new policy.

“As a Yeshiva, our responsibility extends not only to the ruchniyus growth of our talmidim, but to their physical safety as well,” the administration wrote.

Citing concerns about students traveling to and from school, the yeshiva announced that “The use of any electric mode of transportation by students to and from Yeshiva — including electric scooters, electric bikes, hoverboards, segways, or similar devices — is prohibited.”

Administrators warned that violations of the policy will carry consequences, including confiscation of the prohibited device.

The letter also urged parents to take additional precautions regarding students who use traditional bicycles or non-electric scooters.

“In addition, we strongly implore parents to ensure that any children riding standard bicycles or non-electric scooters to and from Yeshiva do so while wearing a helmet,” the letter states.

The move comes amid growing concern nationwide over accidents involving electric bikes and scooters, particularly among children and teenagers. In New York City, e-bikes and electric scooters have become increasingly common, prompting safety campaigns and heightened scrutiny from schools, parents, and public officials.

Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin’s new policy appears to be among the more comprehensive measures adopted by a yeshiva to address the issue directly, banning the use of all electric transportation devices by students commuting to and from school.

The letter was signed by Rabbi Mendel Braunstein, menahel of the Upper Division; Rabbi Gershon Eichorn, s’gan menahel of the Upper Division; Rabbi Yitzchok Herzberg, menahel of the Lower Division; and Rabbi Eliyahu Meir Zidele, s’gan menahel of the Lower Division.

{Matzav.com}