Wildwood Pursuing Stricter E-Bike Regulations

A Wildwood resident has raised concerns about the problem of e-bikes in the community.

Gary Newton told the Lower Township Council that young riders, especially those between the ages of 13 and 16, are racing through parks at speeds of up to 30 mph, performing stunts without wearing helmets, and putting pedestrians in danger.

Lower Township Mayor Frank Sippel acknowledged these safety concerns to the Cape May County Herald. He indicated that the Wildwood government would respond by potentially working with the police department to develop a plan to address the problem with e-bikes.

Wildwood officials, including Commissioner Krista McConnell and Deputy Mayor Steve Mikulski, are advocating for stricter regulations on the trendy vehicles, including enhanced registration requirements, permits, and helmet mandates for riders.

Concerns about the safety of e-bikes, minibikes, and dirt bikes have also been raised by other residents of Lower Township, particularly at the Clem Mulligan Sports Complex.

Scott Chambers, owner of Zippy's Bikes in Wildwood, said he was aware of the growing popularity of e-bikes as a primary transportation option, especially given Wildwood's parking challenges. He believes that the council needs to more clearly delineate e-bikes from gas-powered mini bikes and dirt bikes, which are illegal on the streets.

The Cape May County Herald reports that Wildwood has an existing ban on the boardwalk. Local police are actively enforcing this prohibition and issuing citations to riders who fail to comply with the regulations.