UPDATE: Edison officials are taking decisive action to ban high-speed electric scooters following a series of alarming accidents. The town council is moving to prohibit these modified scooters, which have been clocked at speeds up to 45 mph, on all local roads, including highways and residential areas.
Authorities report that the surge in dangerous e-scooter usage has resulted in serious injuries, including a recent incident involving a juvenile girl on Talmadge Road. Another accident occurred just last week on Plainfield Avenue. During a public meeting on Monday, Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan highlighted the urgent need for this new ordinance.
“As we all see on Route 27 and throughout the town, these scooters are traveling at dangerously high speeds,” Bryan stated. “It’s a situation we can no longer ignore.”
The proposed ban comes amid rising concerns over modified e-scooters that exceed the state’s legal top speed of 19 mph. While manufacturers are required to limit these vehicles to 20 mph, many parents and teenagers are purchasing modified versions capable of reaching speeds of 35 mph or more. This reckless behavior poses significant risks to both riders and pedestrians.
Under the new ordinance, parents of juveniles caught riding these high-speed scooters could face severe penalties. For a first offense, parents could incur fines of up to $250 and risk having the scooter impounded for a week. Subsequent violations escalate dramatically; fines could reach $1,000 for third offenses, and scooters may be impounded for up to 60 days.
The council has not yet finalized the ordinance, but discussions are ongoing. A council meeting is scheduled for later today, where officials will further address the growing safety concerns surrounding e-scooter usage.
This urgent measure highlights the growing trend of municipalities taking action against modified electric scooters as they become a common sight on streets across the nation. As incidents continue to rise, other towns may follow Edsion’s lead in implementing similar restrictions to protect their communities.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the upcoming council meeting to voice their concerns and opinions on this critical issue. With heightened awareness, the community can work together to ensure safer streets for all.
