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Council adopts e‑bike and scooter ordinance with amendment; motorized bicycles limited in parks and on trails
Summary
Berkeley Heights adopted Ordinance 2026-08 after a public comment period and a nonsubstantial amendment (moving K2 to I3). The ordinance clarifies where low‑speed electric bicycles and scooters may operate and reinforces that higher‑speed motorized bicycles should be kept off walking paths and playground areas.
Berkeley Heights Township Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2026-08, regulating the use of low‑speed electric bicycles, low‑speed electric scooters and motorized bicycles, after approving a staff‑recommended, nonsubstantial amendment to reorder provisions.
The measure — adopted as amended following a motion to move subsection K2 into section I3 — clarifies that low‑speed electric scooters and bicycles are encouraged to use designated bicycle paths where permitted under New Jersey law, allows their limited operation on trails and wooded walking paths in a pedestrian‑safety manner, and restricts faster motorized bicycles from pedestrian walking paths and playgrounds unless using a designated bicycle pathway.
Why it matters: The ordinance is intended to balance expanding micro‑mobility options with pedestrian safety on shared pathways, parks and playgrounds. Council discussion emphasized that the category labeled 'motorized bicycles' can reach roughly 28 miles per hour and that those faster vehicles are unsuitable for narrow walking paths that lead to schools and playgrounds.
In discussion, a member of the public reviewed several specific subsections and asked whether the ordinance’s language meant that motorized bicycles were excluded from park pathways; council members and staff confirmed the intent that larger, faster vehicles should not be where pedestrians are present and would instead be parked in lots or use designated bike lanes where available. Council also agreed that moving K2 to I3 would be a nonsubstantial organizational change and could be adopted without re‑notice.
The ordinance includes an age‑limit provision discussed in council reports: device riders under 15 years old are subject to enforcement emphasis, and police will begin enforcing the new rules in town. The council did not expand local authority to license higher‑speed motorized bicycles within this ordinance; those vehicles remain distinct from the low‑speed class discussed here.
The ordinance was read by the clerk and adopted by roll call. Recorded votes show Mr. Foster, Mrs. Ellis, Mr. Machado, Mr. Maderos, Mr. Moran and Mrs. Poke voting yes. The clerk recorded the ordinance as adopted as amended.
Council members said staff and the township attorney reviewed the language and are comfortable with the final wording. The ordinance goes into effect according to the adoption schedule in the municipal code.
