Woodbridge Wants To Start Issuing Tickets For Riding E-Bikes, E-Scooters On The Sidewalk

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Woodbridge Township is cracking down on people zooming around on e-bikes and e-scooters — particularly on the sidewalk.

Woodbridge Police say this has become a growing problem: Some electric bikes can go more than 20 MPH, and police say they've gotten numerous complaints from people who had to jump out of the way of an e-bike or e-scooter on the sidewalk.

At last week's Council meeting, Woodbridge introduced an ordinance that will allow police to start issuing tickets to people caught riding e-bikes on the sidewalk. You will also not be allowed to ride an e-bike or e-scooter in town parking lot.

If you are issued a ticket by police, a fine will then be given by the Woodbridge town court.

These e-bikes go very fast, and those who ride them are usually inexperienced, said Sgt. Joseph Angelo, one of the supervisors with the Woodbridge Police Traffic unit. He spoke about the growing problem at the Woodbridge council meeting last Tuesday:

"The sharp influx of e-bikes, particularly downtown and near schools, has brought a new type of vice to our streets," said the police sergeant. "Fast speeds, crowded pathways and a mix of inexperienced riders have made it clear that regulations and ride awareness need to catch up."

On top of that, e-bike and scooter crashes are also occurring in Woodbridge streets, said the police sergeant.

"Us and the Township had to do something before it gets out of hand," he said.

On July 17, a 14-year-old boy was killed when the e-bike he was riding collided with a car. That was in Egg Harbor Township. Police said they don't want that to happen in Woodbridge.

Councilwoman Debbie Meehan, who represents Colonia, thanked Woodbridge Police for addressing the problem.

"I get a lot of complaints from drivers about this," said Meehan. "These are young kids on the bikes. We don't want to see anyone get hurt. Thank you for taking care of our residents."

"Spot on," said Councilman Cory Spillar. "We've all been hearing the discussions over the past several years and this has just blown up, for lack of a better term. So thank you for being so proactive."

New Brunswick, Hoboken and Perth Amboy already have town laws on the books that prohibit e-bikes and e-scooters. This was introduced on first reading last Tuesday. It starts being discussed at minute 6:30:

Teen E-Bike Rider Killed In Atlantic County Crash (July)