Edison Moves to Ban High-Speed E-Scooters After Serious Accidents

UPDATE: Edison officials are taking urgent action to ban high-speed electric scooters following a spate of serious accidents. The town’s council is poised to outlaw these modified scooters, which are reportedly reaching dangerous speeds of up to 45 mph on local roads.

The move comes after alarming incidents, including one where a juvenile girl suffered serious injuries on Talmadge Road and another near Plainfield Avenue. Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan emphasized the growing threat during a public meeting on Monday, stating, “As we all see on Route 27, Plainfield Avenue, throughout the town, they’re traveling on the highways at a high rate of speed.”

Currently, New Jersey law restricts e-scooters to a maximum speed of 19 mph, with manufacturers required to limit them to 20 mph. However, modified scooters are being sold that can reach speeds of 35 mph to 45 mph, posing significant risks to both riders and pedestrians.

The proposed ordinance would impose strict penalties on both juvenile riders and their parents. If caught riding a modified e-scooter, juveniles could see their scooters impounded for up to seven days, with parents facing initial fines of $250. Repeat offenders could face more severe consequences, including 60-day impoundments and fines escalating to $1,000 for third offenses.

The council is scheduled to discuss this critical ordinance later this evening, and the community is watching closely as officials seek to enhance public safety on Edison’s roads.

Residents are urged to stay informed as developments unfold. The increasing frequency of accidents involving high-speed e-scooters underscores the urgent need for regulation before more tragedies occur.

As this situation develops, keep an eye on local news sources for updates and potential changes to this ordinance that could significantly impact e-scooter use across Edison.