Ramsey, NJ E-Bike Ban: Parents Face $1,000 Fines and Bikes Impounded for Sidewalk Riding and Traffic Violations
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ramsey NJ, is the latest municipality to join a growing list of towns pushing back against unsafe riding practices by adopting a comprehensive new ordinance to regulate the use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
The move comes after the borough noted “multiple e-bike related accidents/complaints due to juvenile riders not following traffic laws.” The focus of the new rules is clear: integrating these increasingly popular devices safely into the traffic flow while protecting pedestrians on sidewalks and in parks.
The new ordinance is now officially in effect, and the message from Mayor Deirdre Dillon is that it has been “widely advertised” to ensure all residents and parents are aware of the major changes.
💸 Parental Liability: The New Fine Structure for Juveniles
A key feature of the Ramsey ordinance is placing financial responsibility directly on parents for the actions of their children under the age of 18. Violations of bicycle traffic laws and the new ordinance can result in stiff penalties and the temporary loss of the device.
| Offense | Juvenile Penalty | Parent/Guardian Fine |
| First Offense | Bike/Scooter Impounded | Up to $250 |
| Subsequent Offenses | Long-Term Impoundment | Up to $1,000 |
This structure mirrors a growing trend in New Jersey towns where local law enforcement and councils are attempting to curb dangerous behavior by directly involving the guardians of juvenile riders.
The Essential E-Bike Rules You Must Follow in Ramsey, NJ
To avoid fines and impoundment, riders must adhere to the traffic laws and specific regulations established by the borough (Ordinance No. 24-2025).
Where You ABSOLUTELY Cannot Ride
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Sidewalks: Operating any e-bike or e-scooter on any sidewalk anywhere in the borough is strictly prohibited.
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Main Street Zone: No riding or operating on East Main Street between North Central Avenue and Franklin Turnpike.
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Borough Property: E-bikes and e-scooters are banned from borough parks, fields, and other borough property, including the library and the municipal complex.
Traffic & Safety Rules
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Traffic Flow: Riders must operate near the right-hand side, traveling with the flow of vehicle traffic.
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Stop & Yield: All riders must stop at red lights and traffic signs and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks (just like motor vehicles).
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Distracted Riding: Absolutely no texting or holding phones or other objects while operating the device (hands must remain free to operate the handlebars).
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Helmets: Helmets are required for all riders younger than 17 years old, aligning with state law.
Parking and School Zones
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Designated Parking: E-bikes and e-scooters must be parked only at designated bike racks. They cannot block sidewalks, nor can they be left leaning against signs or buildings.
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School Zones: Riders must dismount and walk their e-bikes or e-scooters on sidewalks, driveway entrances, lawns, fields, and crosswalks of the borough’s five schools.
Impoundment Warning: Any bike or scooter left on public property for three or more days will be considered abandoned and impounded.
The Wider Debate: New Jersey Towns Tackle E-Bike Safety
Ramsey’s ordinance reflects a fierce debate spreading across New Jersey. Towns like Summit, Hoboken, and others have enacted varying levels of bans and penalties as they wrestle with the rapid adoption of micromobility devices, particularly among youth.
This new legislation serves as a clear reminder: riders of e-bikes and e-scooters are generally treated the same as cyclists and, in many cases, motor vehicles under the law. Safety and adherence to traffic rules are no longer a suggestion—they are a legal requirement backed by significant financial penalties.
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Hopefully they get enforced unlike Ridgewood