New E-Bike, Scooter Regulations For Wayne Township: See Details

WAYNE, NJ — Wayne officials have made some changes to the township’s regulations on electric bikes and scooters.

At a recent council meeting, Wayne officials unanimously voted to amend Chapter 202 Vehicles, specifically concerning low-speed and off-road vehicles.

“Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have surged in popularity in recent years, revolutionizing how people travel through urban and suburban areas, but this rapid rise has also presented challenges for municipalities as they work to update laws, adapt infrastructure, and balance the use of roadways and pathways with pedestrians, motor vehicles, traditional cyclists and e-bike riders,” Ordinance 61 reads.

The move redefined what classes e-bikes, scooters, and motorized bikes fall under.

See the new classifications below, per Ordinance 61:

“Low-speed Electric Bicycle

A two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, that meets the requirements of one of the following classifications:

• Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle - A low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour; or
• Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle – A low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Low-Speed Electric Scooter

A scooter with a floorboard that can be stood upon by the operator, with handlebars, and an electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion at a maximum speed of less than 19 miles per hour.

Motorized Bicycle

A pedal bicycle having a helper motor characterized in that either the maximum piston displacement is less than 50 cc. Or said motor is rated at no more than 1.5 brake horsepower or is powered by an electric drive motor and said bicycle is capable of a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour on a flat surface or a pedal bicycle having an electric motor that is capable of propelling the bicycle in excess of 20 miles per hour with a maximum motor-powered speed of no more than 28 miles per hour on a flat surface. This term shall not include a low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter as defined in this section.”

__

Additionally, off-road or low-speed vehicles are not to be driven on Wayne Township's athletic fields, courts, grass areas, natural surface hiking/walking trails, or any roads with a speed limit more than 25 mph, according to the amended chapter.

Anyone caught violating the new regulations could have their vehicle impounded, and the parents of underage children who break traffic laws could be held criminally responsible, the chapter says.

The amendments were received with some pushback from the public, who had concerns about age restrictions, as well as issues with sidewalk riding regulations.

The council responded to the concerns, saying that the ordinance could always be amended in the future, and that it’s in the public’s best interest to adopt now, tweak later.

Councilwoman Francine Ritter addressed the likelihood of these vehicles’ popularity increasing even more so as the holidays approach, saying action should be taken ASAP.

“Let’s act on it now… Fine-tune it as we go along,” Ritter said.

Officials added that the Wayne Police Department vouched for the changes and that they will be heavily enforcing the new regulations.