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Download Executive Order 2025-01

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Executive Order prohibit?

Motorized vehicles — including low-speed e-bikes, motorized bicycles, e-scooters, and motorized scooters — are not permitted on County park property. This includes bike paths, footpaths, lawns, wooded areas, playgrounds, and other off-road spaces.

Can I still ride a regular bicycle in County parks?

Yes. Pedal-powered bicycles remain permitted where bikes are allowed. The ban applies only to motorized/assisted power devices.

What about ADA mobility devices, like medical scooters or power wheelchairs?

The ban does not apply to mobility devices used by people with disabilities, as protected under state law.

Can I or my child ride our e-bike/scooter from a road or parking lot into a park?

Yes — e-bikes and scooters may be ridden on public roadways within County parks, including entering or exiting from parking lots. However, they cannot be ridden onto fields, trails, sidewalks, or pedestrian paths inside the parks. Riders must remain on the roads at all times when on park property.

How will this be enforced? Will my child get a ticket or have their bike taken away?

Right now, enforcement is focused on education and awareness, not summonses or confiscation. Union County Police may stop riders to explain the new rules. Once a permanent ordinance is adopted, enforcement details — including whether violations could result in fines — will be reviewed and decided at that time.

What about roadways and parking lots inside parks?

Roadways and parking lots follow the same rules as public streets under state law:

• Class 1 & 2 e-bikes: Allowed. Helmets required if 17 or under. No registration.
• Class 3 e-bikes: Treated as motor vehicles (license, registration, insurance required).

Why ban them in parks if accidents are happening on streets?

The County can only regulate park property. Parks are shared spaces with pedestrians, children, and seniors, where high-speed motorized use poses a risk. Broader street safety issues are being addressed at the state level.

Are helmets required?

Yes:

• Riders 17 and under must wear helmets on Class 1 & 2 e-bikes.
• Helmets are required for all Class 3 e-bike operators.
• The County strongly encourages helmet use by all riders.

Will there be licensing, registration, or insurance requirements for all e-bikes?

Not at this time under current law.

However, Senate President Nick Scutari has announced a legislative plan that would add new requirements at the state level. The County will adjust its own rules and permanent ordinance as state law evolves.

Does this apply to regular children’s bikes, skateboards, or rollerblades?

No. This EO applies only to motorized vehicles. Human-powered bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades remain permitted in parks where allowed.

Does this apply to scooters and e-bikes used for work or commuting through parks?

Yes. The EO applies regardless of purpose and prohibits use on paths, sidewalks, and trails within County parks. Riders may still use public roadways that run through park property in accordance with State traffic laws, but devices must not be operated on pedestrian or recreational paths.

Is this permanent? What happens next?

The EO is a temporary step. It remains in effect until the Board of County Commissioners adopts a permanent ordinance, which will clarify long-term rules, penalties, and possible exceptions.

What about speed limits instead of a full ban?

The EO establishes a full restriction on e-bikes and scooters in County parks, except for use on public roadways. The Board does not anticipate allowing these vehicles on pedestrian paths or recreational areas, but may review additional measures as part of the ordinance process.

How do I report unsafe riding or violations?

To report unsafe riding or other issues in County parks, contact the Union County Police Department (non-emergency line at 908-654-9800). On streets, contact your local municipal police.

How will residents be informed about the new rules?

The County is posting on their website and social media, as well as posting message boards at major parks to make the rules clear right away.

As the Board of Commissioners works toward adopting a permanent ordinance, additional signage with QR codes will be installed at park entrances and other key locations.

These QR codes will link directly to the official rules and updates, so residents can always check the most current information.

What about riders who rely on e-bikes because they don’t have cars?

The County recognizes that many teens and adults use e-bikes for affordable transportation to work, school, or other activities. The EO focuses only on park property, where shared spaces make safety the priority.

New Jersey’s E-Bike and E-Scooter Law

• Bicycles are vehicles and must follow NJ traffic laws (§39:4-14.1)
• All statutes that apply to bicycles (§39:4-11) also apply to low-speed e-bikes
• Helmets required for riders under 17; vendors must provide helmets for rentals (§39:4-10.3)
• Required equipment: bell (§39:4-11), white headlight & red tail light at night (§39:4-10)
• Ride single file on the right side of the road with traffic
• No more than two riders next to each other if traffic isn’t impeded
• Municipalities may prohibit sidewalk riding (kids under 10 may ride sidewalks)
• E-bikes faster than 20 mph or >750 watts: license, insurance, and registration required
• Low-speed e-bikes: Max 20 mph, max 750 watts, no registration/license/insurance (§39:4-14.16)

What is an E-Bike

• Two types: Electric Assist or Motorized
• An e-bike is a pedal bicycle with a battery or electric motor no greater than 750 watts
• Battery may be inside the frame or removable
• Motor may be on wheel hubs or central
• More power, speed, and weight than regular bikes

Safety Tips

• Bring and wear a helmet
• Read directions before riding
• Practice accelerating and braking in a safe place
• Park at a dock or a safe place shown in the app (don’t block sidewalks/roads)

Press Conference

At a press conference hosted this morning by Senate President Nicholas Scutari at Scotch Plains Township Hall, Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded announced that Union County will take immediate action to protect residents from the dangers posed by electronic bikes and scooters.

On roadways, state law governs use, and Senate President Scutari has proposed legislation that would add training, licensing, and registration requirements to make streets safer for all riders. The County’s permanent ordinance will take mobility needs into account, while still keeping parks safe for pedestrians, children, and seniors.

Effective today, Union County has issued an Executive Order prohibiting the operation of motorized vehicles — including electronic bikes and scooters — in all County parks. At its next meeting, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will move to amend the County Code to make clear that:

• The use of low-speed electric bicycles, motorized bicycles (e-bikes), low-speed electric scooters, and motorized scooters — as defined under N.J.S.A. 39:1-1 and N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.16 is prohibited upon any footbridge, bridle path, bicycle path, lawn, wooded area, park, playground, or any other property owned, leased, or otherwise under the control of the County of Union.
• This prohibition does not apply to activities specifically authorized by N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.3(b).

The Order specifically prohibits the following in County parks and on County-controlled property (per N.J.S.A. 39:1-1 and 39:4-14.16):

• Low-speed electric bicycles
• Motorized bicycles (e-bikes)
• Low-speed electric scooters
• Motorized scooters

“This Executive Order reflects our commitment to protecting the public and acting swiftly when safety is at stake,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Families deserve to enjoy our parks without worrying about fast-moving vehicles endangering children or seniors. By codifying this action, we are sending a clear message: safety will always be our top priority in Union County. We will continue working with the Senate President and state leaders to ensure these common-sense protections extend across New Jersey.”

Today’s Executive Order also complements the legislative initiative announced by Senate President Scutari, which aims to modernize New Jersey’s e-bike laws by updating licensing, classification, and safety requirements statewide. Together, these actions underline a shared commitment at both the county and state levels to protect residents, prevent accidents, and save lives.

“The dramatic increase in the use of e-bikes has created greater dangers for their operators, other motorists and pedestrians,” said Senator Scutari. “They are faster, more powerful and far more prevalent. We are in a new era of e-bike use that requires updated safety standards to help prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities.”

The announcement comes just days after a 13-year-old boy in Scotch Plains was killed in a collision involving an electronic bike, a tragedy that has shaken the local community and intensified calls for stronger protections.

“As a mother of five, the recent e-bike tragedies — especially the heartbreaking loss of a 13-year-old in Scotch Plains — strike very close to home,” said Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “That is why today I announced this Executive Order. Our children deserve streets, parks, and neighborhoods where families can feel at ease. I’m grateful to Senate President Scutari for taking a leadership role in addressing this urgent issue and for working to put forward common-sense protections that put safety first. No family should ever have to endure this kind of loss again.”

The press conference also featured remarks from Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo, with additional Scotch Plains Council Members in attendance. Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski joined Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded at the announcement, along with Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Assemblyman Jim Kennedy, County Manager Edward T. Oatman, and several law enforcement officials representing departments across Union County. Their presence highlighted the importance of collaborative action at the municipal, county, and state levels in addressing this urgent safety concern.

Union County’s action will be enforced by County personnel and law enforcement, ensuring that motorized vehicles do not endanger pedestrians, joggers, seniors, and children in shared park spaces. The Commissioners emphasized that this is a first step while broader statewide policies are being considered, and that today’s announcement demonstrates Union County’s leadership in addressing public safety head-on while working closely with state officials to prevent future tragedies.