Union County officials are cracking down on electric bikes and scooters following a couple deadly crashes.
Union County issued an executive order this week banning the motorized scooters and bikes in all county parks. Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon says,
“Families deserve to enjoy our parks without worrying about fast-moving vehicles endangering children or seniors. By codifying this action, we are sending a clear message: safety will always be our top priority in Union County."
The ban comes after a 13-year-old Scotch Plains boy was killed last week after being hit by a truck while riding an e-bike. And then on Monday two girls riding e-bikes were hit and killed by an SUV in Cranford in a case where Prosecutors allege it was on purpose. The 17-year-old driver has been charged with murder in that case.
Meanwhile, State Senate President Nicholas Scutari is calling for stricter statewide regulations governing e-bikes which have become a lot more popular in recent years.