Edison just changed the game for anyone who rides an e-bike or e-scooter — and depending on who you ask, it’s either overdue safety reform… or classic Jersey overreach.

In a late-night move that caught a lot of riders off-guard, Edison Township approved a brand-new set of rules for electric bikes and scooters. And yes — people already have opinions.

Helmet or Ticket — No Exceptions

Whether you’re 16 or 60, Edison now requires helmets on all e-bikes and scooters.
No “I’m just going around the corner.”
No “I’m a careful rider.”
Helmet on, period.

Some residents say it’s common sense. Others say it’s the government treating adults like kids.

Scooters Banned From Most Major Roads

One of the biggest shockers?

E-scooters are now barred from any road with a speed limit over 25 mph.

In a town where nearly every main road is 30 or 35 mph, that rule wipes out a huge chunk of commuter routes. Riders told GSG they now feel “boxed in” and worry they’ll be forced onto sidewalks — which could become its own headache.

Night Riders Need Lights — and a Kickstand

Edison is also cracking down on how scooters and bikes are parked.
If you don’t have a proper kickstand? That’s a violation now.

Town officials say this is about safety — fewer crashes, fewer blocked sidewalks, fewer complaints. Critics say it’s micromanagement gone wild.

Why This Matters

Micromobility — e-bikes, scooters, rentable devices — has exploded in NJ. Towns across the state are scrambling to figure out how to regulate it without killing the movement.

Edison just made its move.

Some call it responsible. Others call it restrictive.
Either way, as one resident put it:

“Only in New Jersey can riding a scooter feel like dealing with the DMV.”

The Bigger Picture

Will other towns copy Edison’s playbook?
Will riders push back?
And will these rules actually reduce accidents — or just create new headaches?

The Garden State Gazette will be watching.