Somers Point council narrows e‑bike ban, will allow low‑speed pedal‑assist bikes pending second reading

Somers Point City Council on Nov. 19 moved to narrow a proposed ban on electric bicycles, approving an amendment that will allow low‑speed pedal‑assist e‑bikes (class 1 and class 2) on the municipal bike path while excluding higher‑speed models. Council members voted on an amendment to Ordinance No. 17 of 2025, which regulates electric bicycle operation on municipal bike paths and public sidewalks; the amendment passed on a roll‑call vote and the clerk will advertise the revised ordinance for a second reading on Dec. 11.

The change follows extensive public comment and a lengthy council debate about safety and enforcement. A resident who identified herself as Wendy Vaca said she rides a pedal‑assist e‑bike to keep up with grandchildren and recounted being pushed off a street and injured during a trip to Ocean City. “I have an ebike as well. I also have a license. I drive according to the laws,” Vaca said, adding that banning bike‑path use could force children and slower riders onto streets and create new hazards.

Council members split over the approach. One member argued a blanket ban would punish seniors and families who use low‑speed pedal‑assist bikes for exercise and caregiving, while others cited complaints about faster, souped‑up e‑bikes and said the bike path is primarily for pedestrians and traditional bicycles. Council President Haberkorn urged action and enforcement: “This gives our police the opportunity to enforce the law because they're gonna be able to see it and hopefully be able to correct it,” he said.

Legal and operational details factored into the debate. Council discussion referenced state classifications of e‑bikes (class 1 and 2 as lower‑speed, pedal‑assist models; class 3 and modified bikes subject to licensing and insurance). Members also discussed Linwood’s ordinance as a model; Linwood permits class 1 and 2 on its bike path with a 10‑mph speed limit. Several council members said education, signage and a police presence (including officers on bicycles) should accompany any restriction to improve compliance.

The amendment — proposed to allow class 1 and class 2 pedal‑assist bikes and to adopt a speed limitation consistent with neighboring Linwood — was introduced, seconded and adopted. The roll‑call recorded five yes votes and two no votes (Council members Johnson, Garrity, DePampolis, Bridal and Owen voted yes; McGuigan and Council President Haberkorn voted no). Council directed the clerk to advertise the amended ordinance; the council president said the second reading is scheduled for Dec. 11.

What happens next: the amended ordinance will be published per municipal procedures and return to council on Dec. 11 for a second reading and possible final adoption. Council members flagged enforcement capacity as an outstanding issue and emphasized plans for public education and targeted enforcement rather than immediate widespread enforcement actions.