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Council introduces motorized-scooter ordinance for township property; public hearing set for April 21
Summary
The council introduced ordinance 25-09 to regulate motorized bicycles and scooters on township roads and property, distinguishing low-speed devices (treated like bicycles under Title 39) from higher-speed motorized vehicles that require licensing, registration and insurance. The public hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2025.
The Township of Clark Council on March 17 introduced ordinance 25-09 to regulate motorized bicycles and scooters on township-owned roads and property and set a public hearing for April 21.
Business Administrator Jim Ulrich told the council the ordinance separates vehicles into low-speed and high-speed classes, sets equipment and safety requirements, and makes New Jersey Title 39 the controlling law in case of conflict. Ulrich said the draft includes prohibitions on riding on sidewalks, rules about single-file travel and parking limits, helmet requirements and a sticker identifying vehicle specifications (not an inspection sticker from the municipality). He told the council it also contains a fine and mandatory court appearance for reckless operation.
Captain Lott of the Clark Police Department described how age and licensing requirements revert to Title 39: "Anything that's a low speed vehicle is treated the same as a bicycle," he said, adding that higher-speed vehicles without pedals are governed by licensing rules and generally require either a state driver's license or a moped license for younger operators.
Mayor Angel Albanese and council members emphasized that the proposed ordinance applies only to township-owned property and township roads; county or state-owned properties are not included unless separate agreements are reached. Ulrich noted the administration will seek agreements with major private property owners (malls, shopping centers) if they want the township to enforce rules on private sites.
The ordinance was introduced by motion, seconded and will return for public hearing and possible adoption on April 21, 2025. Council members and staff urged residents to review the draft rules, particularly families with children who ride scooters or other micro-mobility devices.
