05/27/2026
City of South Amboy Enacts New Safety Regulations for Electric Scooters and Bicycles
SOUTH AMBOY, NJ — The City of South Amboy has officially passed Ordinance 2026-02, establishing a comprehensive new regulatory framework for the operation of low-speed electric scooters and bicycles within the municipality. The ordinance aims to balance the growing popularity of electric micro-mobility with the safety and well-being of riders, pedestrians, and motorists. While the ordinance regulates electric micro-mobility across the City, the primary purpose of the ordinance is the protection and safety of children and young people.
The City Council introduced the measure in response to a significant increase in the use of motorized transportation devices on public streets and sidewalks. Recognizing that younger riders are particularly vulnerable, the ordinance prioritizes education and safety equipment to prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment for the City’s youth.
Our children are our most precious resource, and as technology changes how they move around our city, our safety laws must keep pace. This ordinance is fundamentally about education and protection. We want our kids to enjoy the outdoors and their electric scooters, but we want them to do so with the right gear, on the right streets, and with the knowledge to keep themselves and others safe.
Key highlights of the new ordinance include:
• Safety Equipment: All operators and passengers of low-speed electric scooters are required to wear a properly fitted and fastened protective helmet. For nighttime use, scooters must be equipped with white front lamps and red rear lamps.
• Operating Restrictions: Electric scooters are prohibited on roadways with speed limits exceeding 25 miles per hour. Riders must use established bicycle lanes where available and are prohibited from carrying items that prevent two-handed operation of the handlebars.
• Prohibited Conduct: The ordinance forbids attaching scooters to other vehicles on the roadway or to fixed objects not intended for bicycle or scooter parking, and prohibits individuals from operating a scooter with more than one person at one time.
• Abandonment Policy: To maintain clear and safe public walkways, the City has established strict guidelines regarding the abandonment of scooters. Devices left in the same location for more than two days or those showing signs of prolonged disuse may be removed and disposed of by the Police Department.
Enforcement and Penalties
The South Amboy Police Department will oversee the enforcement of these new rules. For operators aged 17 and older, violations may result in fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 for repeat offenses. For minors under 17, the ordinance focuses on parental accountability, starting with a written warning for a first offense and progressing to fines and potential impoundment of the device for subsequent violations.
The City recognizes that electric scooters are an enjoyable and efficient way to get around. This ordinance isn't about penalizing residents; it’s about establishing clear guidelines that protect our pedestrians and ensure that everyone—whether they are on two wheels or on foot—can navigate South Amboy safely.
The ordinance takes effect immediately following its passage and publication. Residents are encouraged to review the full text of Chapter 167 on the City’s website to ensure they are in compliance with the new safety standards.
