Wayne proposes e-bike rules to address 'absolute menace' on roads
By: Philip DeVencentis
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
WAYNE - The Township council is consideration a new ordinance to regulate the use of electric bicycles and scooters as the number of crashes involving the low-speed vehicles continues to surge.
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The proposal, commended with input by the local police brass, would limit where e-bike riders could use the vehicles while slapping fines of $100 or more on parents whose children are repeat offenders.
..... The council will take a final vote on the ordinance on November 5.
..... Council members unanimously supported the measure. They said they witnessed close calls with teen riders and that they knew of families with children hurt or killed in e-bike crashes.
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"It's an absolute menace," said Mayor Christopher Vergano. "Our young kids weren't meant to drive on Hamburg Turnpike , where the speed limit is 45 miles pr hour. What's next? Route 23?"
..... The issue was first discussed by the council on August 20, when chief Joesph Rooney, Captain Robert Franco and Lieutenant Skylar Cauceglia gave a present a to on different types of e-bikes and state laws that apply to them.
..... Cauceglia, who commands the traffic bureau, referenced the New Jersey Micromobility guide, a 51-page document that the state Department of Transpiration co-authored with the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Safety at Rutgers university in May. [2025]
..... The lieutenant said that there are three classes of e-bikes, which generally range in maximum speed from 20 to 28 mph.
..... Only riders of class 3 e-bikes - also known as mopeds - are required to have registration, Moped users must be at least 17 years old.
..... Mechanically inclined teens can often figure out how to make e-bikes go faster, Cauceglia said. Most small motors have built-in speed restrictors called "governors" that can be unlocked.
..... "The most effective way to deal with this issue is through parental involvement,' Cauceglia said. "Parents need to understand what type of e-bikes they're purchasing and set guidelines to ensure that their children know how to safety operate them."
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The pending ordinance defines the classes of e-bikes, stating that they cannot be used in a "careless, reckless or negligent manner."
..... E-bikes other than mopeds would be banned on roads with speed limits exceeding 25 mph, unless they have designated bike lanes. All e-bikes would be prohibited from township fields and walking trails.
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It would be illegal under the proposed ordinance for e-bike uses to be on cellphones while riding. The measure would also require headlights, taillights and, for those under 17 years old, helmets.
..... A September 2024 study by Harvard Health Publishing found hat U.S. sales of e-bikes form 325,000 to 1.1 million units between 2018 and 2022. Meanwhile, the number of riders who sought care in emergency rooms more than doubled each year.
..... Recent tragedies have put the issue under much greater scrutiny.
..... There have been at least four fatal crashes involving e-bikes in New Jessey since mid-September, including one incident in which a 13-year-old boy died after colliding with a landscaping truck in Scotch Plains.
..... Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat representing the 5th congressional District, introduced federal action to meet the alarming increase in crashes. the plan, which the congressman announced at Hackensack High School on September 5, [2025] would include more funding for states to develop programs to encourage helmet use and safe riding behavior. he is also urging transpiration officials in Trenton and in Washington, D.C., to implement public education campaigns.
..... Rooney, whose tenures chief began in February, [2025] said awareness should start at home.
..... "A well crafted ordinance will give us an opportunity to addr4ess reckless driving, but I can't stress enough that parents have to be engaged," Rooney said. An ounce of prevention is worth a whole lot more than the effort taken after the fact."