NEW MOTORIZED SCOOTER LAW

Recently the governor signed Senate Bill 1510 prohibiting motorized scooters on public roads and lands. 

The following is a brief synopsis.

Definition of a motorized scooter:

A miniature motor vehicle including but not limited to pocket bikes, super pocket bikes, scooters, mini-scooters, sport scooters, mini-choppers, mini-motorcycles, motorized skateboards, and other vehicles with motors not manufactured in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and which have no permanent Federal Safety Certification sticker affixed to the vehicle by the original manufacturer.

Motorized scooter does NOT include electric personal assistive mobility devices, motorized bicycles, or low speed vehicles; or motorized wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or similar mobility assisting devices used by persons with physical disabilities, or persons whose ambulatory mobility has been impaired by age or illness.

The law reads:

No person shall operate a motorized scooter upon any public street, highway, or sidewalk.

No person shall operate a motorized scooter upon any public property or lands.

No person shall operate a motorized scooter on the property of another without the consent of the owner of that property or the person who has a contractual right to the use of that property.

Municipalities and counties may permit the operation of motorized scooters on designated areas of their property. There is a list of strict rules that must be adopted.  Sayreville does NOT have a designated area.

Penalties include:

1st offense - fine $100 - $200 and seizure of scooter.

2nd offense - fine $200 - $500, seizure of scooter, and up to 25 hours community service

3rd/subsequent offense - fine $500 - $750, seizure and forfeiture of scooter, and up to 50 hours community service.

For first and second offenses, the scooter can be released to the owner showing proper ownership documentation.  If the owner is under age 18, they must be accompanied by their parent or guardian.

The new motorized scooter law is quite simple and specific. They can't be on the road.