“Ban Electric Scooters”: Assemblyman Avi Schnall Sparks Debate on Safety Regulations

New Jersey assemblyman Avi Schnall did not mince words when he took to LinkedIn with an urgent plea: “Ban electric scooters!” His post immediately ignited a debate on electric scooter safety as he sought public input on how to address the increasing number of accidents involving minors.

“Every couple of weeks, we hear of another story of a kid riding one of these electric scooters getting hit by a car,” Schnall wrote. “Something must be done, but what?”

Acknowledging that a complete ban may not be realistic, he posed a series of questions to the community: “Do we regulate speed limits? Age requirements? How can it be enforced?”

The post set off a flood of responses reflecting a variety of opinions on the issue. Some supported regulation, while others pushed back against government intervention.

One recurring suggestion was helmet enforcement. Many noted that most children seen riding electric scooters do not wear helmets, putting them at greater risk. Some proposed a fine system, with one commenter suggesting that in addition to a fine, if a child is caught without a helmet, their scooter should be impounded until a parent retrieves it and provides proof of helmet ownership.

Several respondents backed age restrictions, with proposals ranging from banning scooters for those under 16 to setting a higher minimum age of 21. A commenter cited Switzerland’s regulations, which ban electric scooters for those under 16, cap speed limits at 16 mph, and require front and rear lights as well as two brakes.

Other safety measures included speed limits as low as 10 mph and requiring scooter riders to follow the same rules as motor vehicles, including obtaining a license, registration, and insurance. One respondent argued that electric scooters are essentially motor vehicles and should be treated as such under the law.

While some pushed for regulation, others argued that infrastructure, not restrictions, should be the focus. Many pointed out that the lack of dedicated bike lanes in Lakewood forces scooter riders onto busy roads, increasing the risk of accidents. While some supported converting street shoulders into bike lanes where possible, others countered that doing so would worsen Lakewood’s already severe traffic congestion.

Opponents of increased regulation argued that banning electric scooters would be an overreach. Others emphasized that parents, not the government, should decide whether their children can use electric scooters. One commenter was especially critical of government intervention, stating, “Banning is never a good idea, especially in politics.” Another remarked that children have always been at risk from cars, whether walking, biking, or rollerblading, and that scooters are no different.

Another alternative to banning scooters came from those who suggested community shuttle systems, similar to those used in the Belz and Satmar communities, to provide safer transportation for minors.

Some respondents emphasized that laws aren’t the only solution and suggested non-legislative safety initiatives. Ideas included a reward program for kids who wear helmets, with incentives like raffle entries for prizes. Others suggested public awareness campaigns rather than legal penalties. “We should bring a road/bike/scooter safety course to every school,” one person said. “In the UK, we’ve been doing it for at least 30 years.”

While Schnall’s post sparked discussion, it remains to be seen whether legislative action will follow. With safety concerns growing, it’s clear that the conversation around electric scooters in Lakewood isn’t going away anytime soon and many hope that these suggestions will lead to practical solutions that make the roads safer for everyone.