Elizabeth trustees adopt e-bike rules with 15-mph limit and Class 3 restrictions
The ordinance limits covered devices to 15 mph, restricts Class 3 e-bikes on town and school property, and initially emphasizes education over citations.
The Elizabeth Board of Trustees unanimously adopted an ordinance Aug. 25 regulating electric-assisted bicycles, scooters and other motorized devices, including a 15-mph speed limit and broad restrictions on Class 3 e-bikes.
The board approved Ordinance 26-14 as New Business item 8. The chair announced that it passed unanimously, but the available meeting record does not provide a numerical tally. The ordinance adds Article VI to Chapter 8 of the Elizabeth Municipal Code.
Officials said enforcement will initially emphasize public education. Mayor Angela Ternus described the ordinance as “an educational tool first” before it becomes a legislative enforcement tool, according to the meeting video.
The adopted ordinance requires operators of electric-assisted bicycles, electric scooters, electric personal assistive mobility devices and certain other covered vehicles to travel no faster than 15 mph, keep right in street lanes, yield to bicycles in bike lanes and paths, and park without obstructing pedestrians. Riders younger than 18 must wear helmets, and the ordinance text makes e-bike riders subject to existing provisions on reckless driving, careless driving and eluding police.
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes generally may operate on public streets. On town property, they may use trails and certain park areas unless posted restrictions apply, but they are barred from playgrounds, courts and athletic fields. The town may prohibit them on highly trafficked roads when a suitable nearby trail exists.
Class 3 e-bikes face broader restrictions. They are prohibited on town-owned property other than bike lanes, including parks, trails and other public recreational facilities. They also are prohibited on school-district property and public school grounds, including parking lots, unless the superintendent or a designee grants written permission. On private property in town, including parking lots and sidewalks, they require specific written authorization from the owner or a representative.
The ordinance does not expressly prohibit Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes on school or private property, nor does it generally ban e-bikes from sidewalks. Electric scooters may operate on public streets but not sidewalks and may be subject to posted restrictions. The ordinance separately bars certain toy and unlicensed vehicles from specified sidewalks and other locations.
Adults who authorize, assist, permit or encourage a minor to operate an electric-assisted bicycle, electric scooter, toy vehicle or unlicensed vehicle in violation of Article VI can also be found in violation. A person found guilty of, or pleading guilty or no contest to, that violation faces a mandatory minimum fine of $250, excluding mandatory fees and surcharges. The ordinance does not establish a separate general fine for other violations.
The ordinance takes effect 30 days after publication. The available record does not state the publication date, so the calendar effective date is not known. Its written-order provisions also refer to electric scooters, while the school- and private-property restrictions do not clearly list them, leaving a drafting ambiguity for town officials to address.