[Added 10-21-2025 by Ord. No. 18-2025]
BICYCLES
As defined in N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.5.
HOVERBOARDS AND OTHER ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES
As defined in N.J.S.A. 39:14.10 except as otherwise protected under The Americans With Disabilities Act, as amended from time to time.
LOW SPEED ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
As defined in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1.
LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLES
As defined in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1.
A. 
Includes Classes I and II.
MOTORIZED BICYCLES
As defined in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1.
MOTORIZED SCOOTERS
As defined in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1.
MOTORIZED SKATEBOARDS
As defined in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1.
A. 
Obedience to traffic-control devices. Any person operating any of the above devices shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signals, signs, and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, and shall ride as near to the right-side of the traveled roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a pedestrian, a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
B. 
Lights and reflectors. Every bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, low-speed electric scooter, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter shall have reflectors in the front and back. Every bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, low-speed electric scooter, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter, when in use at nighttime, shall 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.
C. 
Audible sound/signal. No person shall operate a bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, low-speed electric scooter, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter 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 bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, low-speed electric scooter, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter shall not be equipped with, nor shall any person use upon a bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, low-speed electric scooter, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter any siren or whistle.
D. 
Helmet. Any person under the age of 17 operating any of the above devices are required to wear a protective helmet pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:4-10.1.
E. 
Reckless or careless riding. No person shall ride or operate any of the above devices in a reckless or careless manner which endangers or is likely to endanger the safety or welfare of themselves or other persons or property.
F. 
No person operating any of the above devices shall attach themselves to any streetcar or vehicle.
G. 
The operator of any of the above devices shall not allow others to hitch or hold onto any of the above devices.
H. 
Passengers. It shall be prohibited for a person operating any of the above devices to allow another person to ride as a passenger, unless the person is carried in a proper bike 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 in place and for protecting the passenger. The passenger shall also be required to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:4-10.1
I. 
Speed. No person shall operate any of the above devices at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing.
J. 
Riding in a group. Persons operating any of the above devices in a group or more than one shall ride in a single file line and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
K. 
Cell phones. The use of handheld cell phones, or similar devices, while operating any of the above devices is prohibited.
L. 
Brakes. Every bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, low-speed electric scooter, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the braked wheel skid on a dry, level, clean pavement.
M. 
Music. Playing music or other audio through speakers or other audio device at a volume that compromises safe operating conditions while operating any of the above devices is prohibited.
N. 
Carrying articles. No person operating a bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, low-speed electric scooter, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter shall carry any package, bundle, or article which prevents the user from keeping both hands upon the handlebars.
A. 
All low-speed electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, and low-speed electric scooters shall be affixed in a prominent location with a label displaying their classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage, and tampering with these specifications is prohibited without updating the label.
B. 
Any modification or tampering with an electric bicycle, motorized bicycle, and low- speed electric scooter that alters its motor-powered speed capability without updating the label to reflect the new specifications is prohibited.
A. 
All of the above devices must be parked in designated bicycle parking areas without obstructing pedestrian or other pathways.
B. 
All of the above devices must be stored in a safe place to prevent fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, which include:
(1) 
Storing the above devices away from flammable materials and in well-ventilated areas.
(2) 
Avoid overcharging batteries and following manufacturer guidelines for battery maintenance.
(3) 
Regularly inspecting batteries for damage and properly disposing of defective batteries.
Motorized bicycles are prohibited, unless such vehicle is specifically authorized by New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and is properly registered and insured, and can only be operated by licensed operators, on the roadways in accordance with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Code. Operators are required to wear a protective helmet pursuant to applicable State law.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person, user, or owner of any of the above devices to abandon within the City of Northfield.
B. 
The above devices may be deemed abandoned if:
(1) 
It has been parked for a period of 48 or more consecutive hours, except in a designated bicycle or low-speed scooter racks and or approved marked areas; or
(2) 
It appears visually to be in a state of prolonged disuse, such as but not limited to that it has deflated tires, damaged or missing battery or equipment make it inoperable, or accumulated debris; or
(3) 
It is parked, placed, or left on the roadway or in any public right-of-way in violation of this article.
C. 
In the event that any of the above devices is deemed to be abandoned, as defined herein, the City's Police Department shall have the authority to seize and impound same pursuant to this section and remove it from any public space.
Any person who violates any provision of this article shall, upon conviction, be liable to a penalty of up to $2,000. No court appearance shall be required for a first or second alleged offense but will be required for a third or subsequent alleged offense.