Summit, NJ, is one of the many cities across North America grappling with the impact of e-bikes and scooters on downtown streets.
While some cities are considering outright bans, others are looking to regulation to improve safety and reduce sidewalk and street congestion.
These regulations typically include rules on speed limits, designated areas for riding, and age restrictions. Other important components are safety requirements such as helmet use and vehicle lighting, and registration and licensing for higher-powered models.
In Summit, the recently enacted ordinance addresses where e-bikes and scooters may be used and penalties for failure to follow the rules:
- Electric bikes and scooters are not allowed on any sidewalk or pedestrian pathway.
- These devices can only be operated on roadways where bicycles are legally permitted.
- Violating these rules may result in fines up to $500. In some cases, the device may be temporarily confiscated by police.
Information on Summit’s new ordinance and other approaches to keeping downtown streets safe appear regularly in the pages of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter.
Click below to learn more about Downtown Idea Exchange and other resources for revitalizing downtowns and commercial corridors.