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New Providence council introduces e‑bike/e‑scooter ordinances, proposes registration and fines
Summary
Councilors introduced a package of ordinances to regulate low‑speed electric bicycles and scooters: sidewalk bans in parks/footpaths, mandatory helmets for riders under 17, a $20 registration tag ($5 replacement) and fines up to $500 for repeat violations.
Council members introduced a set of ordinances aimed at regulating low‑speed electric bicycles and scooters and to create a registration program.
The proposed changes would add a new article to Chapter 257 (Vehicles and Traffic) to prohibit riding e‑bikes and e‑scooters on sidewalks, footpaths, parks and recreation areas and require riders to obey traffic laws and signals. The ordinances would make helmets mandatory for riders under 17 and ban use of phones and earbuds while operating a device.
One ordinance would create a registration system: a $20 registration tag for devices, with a $5 fee for replacement tags. The police department would have authority to inspect devices and to prohibit the use of unregistered or unsafe devices until owners bring them into compliance. Fines were discussed in the ordinance text that the council reviewed: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $500 for each subsequent offense, with possible confiscation of the device.
Councilors emphasized education and outreach if the ordinances move forward. One council member asked for FAQs and coordination with the schools and police to explain sidewalk versus roadway operation. The council said the ordinance would take effect upon final passage and publication.
The ordinances were introduced for later consideration; no final adoption vote on the registration or operational ordinances occurred at this meeting.
