Electric scooters have rapidly become part of New Jersey’s urban landscape, offering affordable, eco-friendly transportation for short trips. But with their growing popularity comes a wave of confusion—especially about where they can legally be used. Many riders assume sidewalks are fair game, but the law tells a different story. Understanding where and how e-scooters can be ridden in New Jersey is essential for both safety and compliance.

E-Scooter Laws in New Jersey: The Basics

New Jersey legalized low-speed electric scooters in 2019 under N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.16, classifying them similarly to bicycles. This law defines a “low-speed electric scooter” as a scooter with handlebars, a floorboard for standing, and an electric motor capable of speeds up to 19 mph. Riders are not required to have a license, registration, or insurance, but they must follow the same traffic rules as cyclists.

In practice, that means:

• E-scooters can travel on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less.
• They can use bike lanes when available.
• Riders must obey all traffic signals, yield to pedestrians, and use lights at night.

However, the law also draws a clear line regarding sidewalk use—and this is where many people unintentionally violate the rules.

Can You Ride an E-Scooter on the Sidewalk in New Jersey?

In most New Jersey cities, riding an e-scooter on the sidewalk is prohibited. The reasoning is straightforward: sidewalks are meant for pedestrians, and the speed and maneuverability of e-scooters pose risks in those spaces. The New Jersey statute doesn’t explicitly authorize sidewalk riding for electric scooters, and local ordinances generally restrict it.

For instance:

• Jersey City and Hoboken both prohibit e-scooter operation on sidewalks.
• Newark allows local enforcement to issue fines for sidewalk riding under municipal code.
• Smaller towns may not have direct scooter ordinances but default to bicycle rules, which also ban sidewalk riding in business districts.

In short, while each municipality may interpret the law slightly differently, riding on sidewalks is largely discouraged or illegal in public or commercial areas across the state.

Why Sidewalk Restrictions Exist

These restrictions are rooted in safety and liability concerns. E-scooters can reach speeds up to 19 mph—far faster than a pedestrian’s walking pace. When a rider loses control or fails to yield, serious collisions can occur, leading to injuries such as

• Fractures or concussions from falls.
• Pedestrian impact injuries.
• Head trauma from lack of helmets.
• Soft tissue damage from sudden stops or uneven surfaces.

In shared spaces like sidewalks, these risks multiply. Sidewalk infrastructure wasn’t designed for motorized travel, and factors like narrow curbs, signposts, and foot traffic increase the likelihood of accidents. As a result, law enforcement and city planners often treat sidewalk riding as both a public safety hazard and a liability concern for municipalities.

Where Can You Legally Ride an E-Scooter in New Jersey?

Understanding where e-scooters are allowed is key to safe, lawful riding. Generally, riders may operate e-scooters:

• On streets with posted speed limits of 25 mph or lower.
• In designated bike lanes when available.
• On shared-use paths or trails if not explicitly prohibited by local signage.
• In residential neighborhoods with low traffic volume.

Municipalities have discretion to impose their restrictions, so always check local ordinances before riding. Some areas, such as Hoboken’s pilot e-scooter program, have created specific zones where scooters can operate and park, complete with speed limits enforced through GPS technology.

Safety Requirements and Recommendations for New Jersey E-Scooter Riders

Although New Jersey law does not require helmets for adults, they are mandatory for riders under age 17 under N.J.S.A. 39:4-10.8.

However, safety experts strongly encourage all riders to wear protective gear regardless of age. In practice, the following precautions can drastically reduce the risk of injury:

• Wear a helmet and reflective clothing, especially at night.
• Use lights and a bell to alert drivers and pedestrians.
• Stay in bike lanes or low-speed roads whenever possible.
• Avoid riding while using your phone or wearing earbuds.
• Park responsibly—never block driveways, ramps, or sidewalks.

Cities like Newark and Jersey City now include parking corrals and “geofenced” areas that deactivate scooters outside permitted zones, minimizing clutter and pedestrian interference.

What Happens If You’re in an E-Scooter Accident in New Jersey?

When an e-scooter accident occurs in New Jersey, determining who is at fault can be complex. Liability often depends on whether the rider, a motorist, a pedestrian, or even the scooter company acted negligently. Common situations include drivers opening car doors into a rider’s path (known as “dooring” accidents), pedestrians stepping into the street without warning, or scooters malfunctioning because of poor maintenance or defective design.

Victims injured in e-scooter crashes may have several legal avenues for compensation. They might file a personal injury claim against a negligent driver or pedestrian, pursue a product liability claim if a mechanical defect caused the accident, or bring a premises liability claim when unsafe road conditions or inadequate maintenance contributed to the crash. If another party’s negligence led to the injury, the victim could recover damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and property losses.

Importantly, under New Jersey’s comparative negligence law, an injured rider can still receive compensation even if they were partly at fault—so long as they were not more than 50% responsible for the accident.

Common Injuries Seen in New Jersey E-Scooter Accidents

Emergency rooms across New Jersey have reported a sharp increase in scooter-related injuries since 2020. The most common include:

• Head and brain trauma
• Fractured wrists or arms
• Facial lacerations
• Road rash
• Sprains and dislocations

According to a 2023 Consumer Product Safety Commission report, e-scooter injuries rose by more than 21% in one year, with over 45,000 emergency department visits nationwide. Urban areas like Newark and Jersey City see the majority of these incidents, often involving sidewalk collisions or vehicle interactions.

Example: A Sidewalk Accident in Hoboken

A 26-year-old rider in Hoboken was commuting on an e-scooter when they struck a pedestrian after rounding a corner on the sidewalk. The pedestrian suffered a broken wrist, and the rider sustained facial injuries. Although the rider claimed there was no bike lane available, police cited them for riding on the sidewalk and failing to yield to a pedestrian, resulting in fines and potential civil liability.

In a New Jersey personal injury claim, both parties could argue negligence—the rider for operating illegally, and the city for inadequate infrastructure. Such cases highlight the legal complexity of e-scooter accidents and why legal representation is vital to protecting your rights.

Steps to Take After an E-Scooter Accident in New Jersey

If you are involved in an e-scooter accident, taking immediate steps can protect both your health and your legal options:

1. Call 911 to report injuries and document the incident.
2. Exchange contact and insurance information with any involved parties.
3. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including road conditions or obstacles.
4. Seek medical attention even for minor injuries, as symptoms can worsen later.
5. Consult an experienced New Jersey e-scooter accident attorney before speaking with insurers.

Quick, thorough documentation can make a major difference in establishing liability and securing fair compensation.

Why Local Ordinances Matter in New Jersey E-Scooter Cases

Each municipality in New Jersey may have its own e-scooter policies under the authority of N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.17, which allows local governments to regulate scooter operation within their jurisdictions.

This means that a violation in Hoboken might carry different consequences than one in Princeton or Camden. For example, a rider ticketed for sidewalk use in one city may face only a warning in another. However, when accidents occur, these local ordinances can play a critical role in determining negligence and liability.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

If you were injured in an e-scooter accident in New Jersey, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Whether you were hit by a car, hurt by a defective scooter, or involved in a sidewalk collision, our team understands how to build strong, evidence-based cases that hold negligent parties accountable.

With extensive experience in New Jersey personal injury and e-scooter accident law, Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, helps clients recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Don’t let uncertainty or insurance pressure stand in your way—we’re here to advocate for your recovery and peace of mind.

Contact us today for a free legal consultation. We are available day or night to assist you.