District plans Dec. 2 parent session, student education on e-bikes and e-scooters after safety concerns

Haddonfield School District staff told the board they are developing a coordinated response to growing use of e‑bikes and e‑scooters by students, including education, equipment guidance and enforceable expectations at arrival and dismissal.

District staff reported that representatives from Cross County Connection, the Brain Injury Alliance and Safe Kids of Southern New Jersey are working with the district to develop materials. The district said it will hold a parent presentation on Dec. 2 that will be both live and broadcast; the district also plans student presentations, printed flyers and newsletter information.

Why it matters: staff said higher‑powered e‑bikes and certain classes of scooters can reach speeds and have protective‑equipment needs that differ from traditional bicycles, and that many helmets commonly used for standard bicycles may not offer adequate protection for higher‑speed devices. School staff emphasized education and enforcement that the district can actually carry out — for example, asking students to walk e‑bikes and e‑scooters off school property at drop‑off and teaching proper helmet selection.

District staff said they will work with local police for educational support and enforcement and will develop rules that the schools can practically implement rather than rules that cannot be enforced. Staff noted the matter is still new for local agencies and that educational materials are being created now.

Board members urged the district to include standard safety reminders (cross with traffic, stop at lights) and to make helmet recommendations clear for parents. Staff said they will come back with materials and a plan for enforcement and education that can be shared with families.