Taming the ‘Wild West’

E-bikes and e-scooters are the rage as transportation options among teens and young adults, but borough officials are moving to curb the related safety risks.

An ordinance regulating the use of e-bikes and e-scooters is being crafted by Borough Attorney Chris Corsini. It is based on a model ordinance from another municipality forwarded to him by Police Chief Matt Geist.

Mayor Jack Mikołajczyk and the Borough Council discussed the increasing use of the vehicles with Geist during the governing body’s Nov. 24 meeting. Local youths might see the e-transports as trendy and easy on the feet, and state officials have promoted them for environmental reasons.

It became clear at the recent council session, however, that law enforcement and municipal officials have a different take. They’ve seen problems inherent in widespread e-bike and e-scooter use, have received constituent complaints, and are moving to head-off a potential tragedy.

“It’s all fun and games til it isn’t fun and games,” said Mikolajczyk.

E-bike injuries surged 293% nationally from 2019-2022, with young people often involved and using helmets less, according to Columbia University research. 

Two Central Jersey municipalities not far from Middlesex Borough have recently had tragic accidents involving e-bikes. 

In late September, two 17-year-old girls were killed in Cranford in a hit-and-run accident after being struck by an SUV while riding their e-bikes. The 17-year-old SUV driver was identified and later arrested.

That same month, a 13-year-old Scotch Plains boy died after his e-bike was hit by a landscaping truck.

The e-vehicles are “popping up everywhere,” Geist told the mayor and council. “The most important thing is – how do we protect public safety?”

Some of the transports reach speeds approaching 30 miles per hour, Geist said. In New Jersey, if an e-bike can exceed 28 mph it is considered a Class 3 “motorized bicycle.”

Class 3 motorized bicycles must be registered with the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission and insured. The rider would then need a moped or driver’s license, and must be 15 years of age or older. Helmets would be mandatory for all riders.

The goal of the pending ordinance, Geist said, is to move e-bike and e-scooter riders off sidewalks, away from local parks, and  into the street. The chief said he’s received complaints about e-vehicle riders from park users. There have been instances of riders doing wheelies and driving down the center of roadways. 

Other incidents have involved large numbers of e-vehicle riders, clad with face coverings and blocking local roads, Geist said.

The State of New Jersey actively promotes e-bike usage for environmental reasons, primarily to cut transportation emissions and reduce car dependency.

Geist pointed out that environmental goals conflict with the problems being caused by some e-bike and e-scooter riders. “It’s kind of two forces pushing against each other,” he said.

Councilman Kevin Dotey said a group of e-bike users has been congregating near his home. “It’s been a Wild West back there,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s the scooter itself (that’s the problem),” added Councilman Robert Dessino. “It’s what they’re doing with them.”

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