[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Jackson as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 2-27-2025 by Ord. No. 04-25[1]; amended in its entirety 9-25-2025 by Ord. No. 34-25]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance was originally specified to be added as Chapter 432 but was renumbered to maintain the organization of the Code.
As used in this article, the following terms, consistent with NJ Statutes and N.J.S.A. 39:1-1, shall have the definitions indicated:
LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLE
A two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classifications: "Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle," which means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour; or "Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle," which means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. Low-speed electric bicycles are not subject to the registration, licensing, or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles. The term "low-speed electric bicycle" shall not apply to those devices used to increase the independent mobility of an individual who has limited or no ambulation abilities, such as a motorized wheelchair, nor to toy electric vehicles, such as power wheels, designed for toddlers, where the maximum speed is less than three mph. The term "low-speed electric bicycle" shall not include a motorized bicycle or low-speed electric scooter as defined below.
MOTORIZED BICYCLE (otherwise known as a "Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle")
A pedal bicycle having a helper motor characterized in that either the maximum piston displacement is less than 50cc. or said motor is rated at no more than 1.5 brake horsepower or is powered by an electric drive motor and said bicycle is capable of a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour on a flat surface or a pedal bicycle having an electric motor that is capable of propelling the bicycle in excess of 20 miles per hour with a maximum motor-powered speed of no more than 28 miles per hour on a flat surface.
LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC SCOOTER
A scooter with a floorboard that can be stood upon by the operator, with handlebars, and an electric motor capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion at a maximum speed of fewer than 19 miles per hour.
A. 
Duties of persons on low-speed electric bicycles. Any person operating a low-speed electric bicycle shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signals, signs, and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
B. 
Operators of a low-speed electric bicycle shall ride as near to the right-side of the traveled roadway as practicable and ride in a single-file line, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction; provided, however, that any person may move to the left under any of the following situations:
(1) 
To make a left turn from a left-turn lane or pocket;
(2) 
To avoid debris, drains or other hazardous conditions that make it impracticable to ride at the right side of the roadway;
(3) 
To pass a slower moving vehicle;
(4) 
To occupy any available lane when traveling at the same speed as other traffic;
(5) 
To travel no more than two abreast when traffic is not impeded.
C. 
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may travel no more than two abreast when traffic is not impeded, but otherwise shall ride in single file except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
D. 
Lights and reflectors. Every low-speed electric bicycle shall have reflectors in the front and back. Every low-speed electric bicycle shall, when in use at nighttime, be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front, and with a lamp on the rear which shall emit a red light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear.
E. 
Audible sound/signal. No person shall operate a low-speed electric bicycle unless it is equipped with a bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least 100 feet, except that such low-speed electric bicycles shall not be equipped with, nor shall any person use upon a low-speed electric bicycle any siren or whistle.
F. 
Helmet. All persons under the age of 17 are required to wear a protective helmet while operating a low-speed electric bicycle. The helmet must be a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet which meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z90.4 bicycle helmet standard) or the Snell Memorial Foundation's 1990 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling.
G. 
Riding on sidewalks and walking paths. No person over the age of 14 shall operate a low-speed electric bicycle upon a sidewalk within the Township of Jackson, nor in any location prohibited by signage. Low-speed electric bicycles may park on sidewalks so long as they are not blocking public access.
H. 
Reckless or careless riding. No person shall ride or operate a low-speed electric bicycle in a reckless or careless manner which endangers or is likely to endanger the safety or welfare of themselves or other persons or property. No person operating a low-speed electric bicycle shall attach themselves to any streetcar or vehicle, nor shall the operator of the low-speed electric bicycle allow others to hitch or hold onto an electric bicycle during operation. It shall be prohibited for a person operating a low-speed electric bicycle to allow another person to ride as a passenger, unless the person is carried in a proper seat, trailer or other accessory that complies with current regulations and contains adequate provision for retaining the passenger in place and for protecting the passenger.
I. 
Prohibited locations. Low-speed electric bicycles shall not be operated upon interstate highways, four-lane roadways with dividers, or upon public highways divided by a grass or concrete median, highways with posted speed limits in excess of 50 miles per hour, or two-lane county roads with speed limits of 40 miles per hour or higher. Low-speed electric bicycles, to include any electric powered, gas powered or motorized vehicles, are prohibited from operating within or upon any Township-owned property or recreation areas. Those who have obtained a permit for use of a park or recreational area for a special event, where use of such vehicles are authorized, shall be exempt. This prohibition shall not apply to those devices used to increase the independent mobility of an individual who has limited or no ambulation abilities, such as a motorized wheelchair. This prohibition shall also not apply to toy electric vehicles, such as power wheels, designed for toddlers, where the maximum speed is less than three mph.
J. 
Brakes. Bicycles must be equipped with brakes that make their wheels skid when braking on dry, clean pavement.
A. 
Motorized bicycles shall only be operated within the Township of Jackson if properly registered, insured and operated by a licensed operator. Motorized bicycles can only be operated by licensed operators on the roadways in accordance with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Code. All operators, regardless of age, are required to wear a protective helmet of a type approved by the director while operating a motorized bicycle. Motorized bicycle riders must carry an operator's license and are subject to insurance and registration requirements. There is a 15-year age minimum for motorized bicycle use.
B. 
Prohibited locations. Motorized bicycles shall not be operated upon interstate highways, four-lane roadways with dividers, or upon public highways divided by a grass or concrete median, highways with posted speed limits in excess of 50 miles per hour, or two-lane county roads with speed limits of 40 miles per hour or higher.
Because of possible involvement in accidents, as well as the possibility of stolen vehicles, all Class 3 vehicles must be properly registered with the Township Clerk's Office before being utilized on public highways. The Township Clerk shall have an appropriate notification/registration form available which will include E-bike class and wattage and owner's identification information. There will be no charge for registration. However, failure to properly register a low-speed electric bicycle will be deemed a violation of this article.
Each person violating any provisions of this article shall, upon first conviction, be liable to a penalty of $100, and upon a second or subsequent conviction shall be liable to a penalty of $500.
A. 
Low-speed electric scooters are not subject to the registration, licensing, or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles. E-scooters must follow all the laws that apply to bicycles. Low-speed electric scooters may be parked on a sidewalk, provided that it does not impede the normal movement of pedestrian or other traffic upon the sidewalk.
B. 
Prohibited locations. Low-speed electric scooters are prohibited from operating within or upon any Township-owned property or recreation areas. Those who have obtained a permit for use of the park or recreational area for a special event, where use of such vehicles are authorized, shall be exempt. This shall also not apply to those devices used to increase the independent mobility of an individual who has limited or no ambulation abilities, such as a motorized wheelchair. This also shall not apply to toy electric vehicles, such as power wheels, designed for toddlers, where the maximum speed is less than three mph.