As one of the most densely populated and transit-rich communities in the United States, the City of Hoboken is constantly looking for ways to improve access for residents and visitors to homes, businesses, and other destinations without increasing vehicle congestion. The city published Climate Action Plan, which sets a roadmap for mitigating Climate Change’s impact and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Hoboken, recommended implementing transportation-related initiatives that include expanding shared mobility programs in Hoboken. The existing bike share program, JerseyBike, and car sharing program, Corner Car, have made Hoboken New Jersey’s leader in shared mobility. Additionally, these programs, particularly, JerseyBike, help to solve first- and last-mile transportation challenges. New technology, including electric scooters (e-scooters), continues to provide opportunities to sustainably solve these mobility needs in Hoboken.
In May 2019, Governor Murphy signed legislation legalizing low-speed electric vehicles, including electric bikes and scooters. Shortly after, Hoboken launched New Jersey’s first e-scooter sharing program with a six-month pilot that will offer shared e-scooters through mid-November 2019. This page offers important information about rules and regulations surrounding e-scooter use and the e-scooter share pilot in Hoboken.
As one of the most densely populated and transit-rich communities in the United States, the City of Hoboken is constantly looking for ways to improve access for residents and visitors to homes, businesses, and other destinations without increasing vehicle congestion. The city published Climate Action Plan, which sets a roadmap for mitigating Climate Change’s impact and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Hoboken, recommended implementing transportation-related initiatives that include expanding shared mobility programs in Hoboken. The existing bike share program, JerseyBike, and car sharing program, Corner Car, have made Hoboken New Jersey’s leader in shared mobility. Additionally, these programs, particularly, JerseyBike, help to solve first- and last-mile transportation challenges. New technology, including electric scooters (e-scooters), continues to provide opportunities to sustainably solve these mobility needs in Hoboken.
In May 2019, Governor Murphy signed legislation legalizing low-speed electric vehicles, including electric bikes and scooters. Shortly after, Hoboken launched New Jersey’s first e-scooter sharing program with a six-month pilot that will offer shared e-scooters through mid-November 2019. This page offers important information about rules and regulations surrounding e-scooter use and the e-scooter share pilot in Hoboken.
Several state and local laws govern electric scooter usage in Hoboken. Specifically, local ordinances regulate electric scooters in the following ways:
· Where to ride: E-scooter users are required to ride in the street and are permitted to ride in the city’s bike lanes and on multi-use paths. All e-scooter users must yield to pedestrians and other slower-moving street users.
· Where to park: E-scooters must park at either bike racks or on the sidewalk in the furnishing zone (the area of the sidewalk closest to the curb that provides space for items such as bus shelters, benches, street trees, and utilities). The city, in partnership with electric scooter operators, is gradually implementing designated scooter parking areas in the street or daylighting space at inbound legs of intersections. Never Park a scooter where it obstructs pedestrian access on sidewalks or at crosswalks. Any scooters parked in this area pose a safety hazard and limit mobility for pedestrians and people with disabilities and will be removed.
· Riding on the sidewalk: E-scooter users are prohibited from riding on the sidewalk.
· Speed limits: All e-scooters must obey a speed limit of 18 MPH.
· Age restrictions: All e-scooter riders must be 18 years or older.
· One rider per scooter: Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time.
· Rental restrictions: The terms of agreements with e-scooter share companies require that all rentals must be made by the rider of the scooter.
*The use of helmets is strongly encouraged.
1. How long did the e-scooter pilot last?
It will last six months, approximately from May 20,2019 – November 20, 2019.
2. What will happen after the e-scooter pilot?
The City of Hoboken will conduct a survey of riders and review usage data to develop a report and make recommendations for future e-scooter share programs.
3. Are e-scooters safe?
Yes! Recent studies conducted in Portland, OR and Austin, TX concluded that e-scooters are the cause of no more injuries than bicycles and that a significant share of e-scooter related injuries could have been prevented by wearing a helmet. E-scooters weigh about as much as bike share bicycles and travel at similar speeds as human-powered bicycles.
4. Can I ride on the sidewalk?
No, e-scooters must be ridden in the street only.
5. Can I ride on the Waterfront Walkway?
Yes, however, there are some additional rules you should know: e-scooters are prohibited from the sections of the Waterfront Walkway where adjacent bicycle facilities are present. See the graphic below for more information about where those conditions exist. All scooters must obey a 8 MPH speed limit and ride in the area dedicated for bicyclists when available. If there is no dedicated bicycle lane or path, you must yield to slower Walkway users and audibly signal that you're about to pass someone.
6. Can I ride in parks?
No, riding an e-scooter in a park is prohibited.
7. Should I wear a helmet?
Absolutely.
8. Are there e-scooter speed limits in Hoboken?
Yes, e-scooters are prohibited from operating faster than 18 MPH in Hoboken.
9. Is there an age limit to ride an e-scooter?
Anyone 18 or older can ride an e-scooter in Hoboken.
10. Where can I park an e-scooter?
E-scooters can be parked at any bike rack, in designated parking areas if available, or in the furnishing zone of the sidewalk next to the curb. See the image above for more guidance.
11. How can I report e-scooter issues or concerns?
Use Hoboken’s 311 to report issues or concerns with scooters.
12. Can I bring e-scooters on transit vehicles?
E-scooters are currently prohibited from transit vehicles in Hoboken. Refer to NJ Transit, PATH, NY Waterways for specific restrictions on their vehicles and in stations.
13. Can I purchase my own electric scooter?
Yes, you can purchase and operate your own e-scooter in Hoboken if it meets the legal requirements outlined in New Jersey state law.
