By Alli Tretina
SHREWSBURY – The borough has enacted new regulations governing the operation of low-speed electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters), aiming to promote safety and responsible use among riders.
“As mayor of Shrewsbury Borough, I feel our new ordinance, which relates to e-bikes and e-scooters, is important for our borough residents and visitors,” said May- or Kim Doran Eulner at a meeting Monday, June 9. “As e-bike usage increases, so often residents and I see young people riding with no helmet, in the middle of the road, in shopping center parking lots and else- where.”
In the last few years, as safety concerns have continued to arise, other neighboring towns have also enacted their own ordinances, including Sea Bright, Fair Haven and Oceanport.
“As a councilman deeply involved in our community and a parent of four, I see firsthand the growing role e-bikes and e-scooters play in our lives and the need to adapt to these modern transportation options,” said council member Jim Daly. “In Shrewsbury, a community that prides itself on being tight-knit and good neighbors, ensuring safety for all our residents, kids and adults alike, is paramount.”
The ordinance outlines definitions for various types of electric vehicles, including Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, and establishes rules to ensure the safety of riders, pedestrians and motorists.
Key provisions of the ordinance include:
• Safety Equipment: Riders under 17 years of age are required to wear a helmet that meets established safety standards.
• Speed Limits: Operators must adhere to posted speed limits and exercise caution in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
• Equipment Requirements: E-bikes and e-scooters must be equipped with reflec- tors, front and rear lights visible from at least 500 feet, and an audible signaling device.
• Operating Restrictions: Riding on sidewalks is prohibited and the use of wireless communication devices while operating these vehicles is restricted unless used hands-free.
• Prohibited Areas: The ordinance prohibits the operation of these vehicles on borough-owned properties, including parks and municipal buildings.
The primary intent of the ordinance is to educate the community on safe riding practices and ensure the well-being of all individuals within the borough.
Juvenile offenders (under 18) face escalating penalties, including verbal warnings, impoundment of the device and fines of up to $250 for repeated offenses.
Adults (18 and over) receive a verbal warning for the first offense; subsequent violations incur a $250 fine.
“I can say that the Shrewsbury Police Department will enforce the ordinance when applicable,” said Lt. Tracy Polk. “Whatever we can do to ensure the safety of the operators, pedestrians and vehicles that are affected by e-bikes, we will do.”
Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new regulations to ensure compliance and contribute to a safer community for all.
“We plan on informing all students and parents about the new ordinance with the hopes that all e-bike riders follow the rules of the road,” said Eulner. “The last thing we want is to have an e-bike rider to get injured by riding in an unsafe manner and to possibly hit and injure pedestrians.”
For more information, residents are encouraged to contact the Shrewsbury Borough Clerk’s Office or visit the official borough website at shrewsburyboro.com.
The article originally appeared in the June 12 – 18, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
