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

EDISON, NJ — Urgent measures are underway as officials in Edison, New Jersey, propose a ban on high-speed electric scooters following a string of serious accidents. Police Chief Thomas Bryan revealed that modified scooters are dangerously reaching speeds up to 45 mph on local roads, prompting immediate action from the town council.

During a public meeting on Monday, Chief Bryan highlighted alarming incidents, including a juvenile girl who suffered severe injuries on Talmadge Road and another recent accident on Plainfield Avenue. These developments have raised significant safety concerns among community leaders and residents alike.

The proposed ordinance seeks to ban high-speed e-scooters from all roads, including highways and residential areas. Currently, New Jersey law restricts e-scooters to a maximum speed of 19 mph, and manufacturers are required to limit them to 20 mph. However, many parents and youth are modifying these scooters to reach speeds of up to 45 mph, creating a hazardous situation on busy streets.

Chief Bryan stated, “As we all see on Route 27 and throughout the town, they’re traveling on the highways at a high rate of speed.” The alarming trend has led to proposals for strict penalties aimed at both juvenile riders and their parents.

If a juvenile is caught speeding on a modified e-scooter, the ordinance would allow police to impound the scooter for seven days and fine their parents up to $250 for a first offense. A second offense could see the scooter impounded for up to 60 days with fines escalating to $500. Subsequent violations could result in fines reaching $1,000.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the ordinance has not yet been passed, but a council meeting is scheduled for later today, where further discussions and a potential vote will take place. Community members are urged to attend and voice their opinions on this urgent public safety issue.

The growing concern over high-speed e-scooter use in Edison reflects a broader trend across various municipalities grappling with similar public safety challenges. As accidents involving fast, modified scooters continue to rise, officials are under pressure to take decisive action to protect their residents.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the Edison council takes steps to address these urgent safety concerns.