New Jersey is set to require e-bike riders to obtain licenses under a new law signed into effect by outgoing Governor Phil Murphy. The legislation aims to reduce the number of e-bike crashes and enhance road safety.
The updated regulations classify all forms of e-bikes, including pedal-assist bikes, as motorized bicycles, which some cycling advocates argue is too restrictive. Proponents of low-speed e-bikes, commonly known as "class 1" e-bikes, have expressed concerns that the new law unfairly groups them with higher-speed vehicles, potentially limiting their use for transportation purposes.
Murphy stated that the need to update regulations arose from a growing trend in e-bike usage, which poses safety risks on the roads. He emphasized his administration's commitment to making roads safer for all users.
Under the new rule, e-bike owners and operators must be at least 15 years old with a motorized bicycle license or at least 17 years old with a standard driver's license. E-bikes will also need to be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and insured. The law prohibits e-bikes on highways with speed limits over 50 mph.
However, cycling advocates like Debra Kagan from the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition have voiced opposition to the bill, citing concerns that it restricts the use of low-speed e-bikes unnecessarily and hinders efforts to promote alternative modes of transportation. According to Kagan, micromobility devices are an essential part of state goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing equitable mobility options.
The legislation marks the first update to e-bike laws in New Jersey since 2017 and comes amid growing concerns over e-bike safety following a series of crashes involving e-bikes. The law gives riders six months, or until July 19, to obtain the necessary licenses and registrations through the Motor Vehicle Commission.
The updated regulations classify all forms of e-bikes, including pedal-assist bikes, as motorized bicycles, which some cycling advocates argue is too restrictive. Proponents of low-speed e-bikes, commonly known as "class 1" e-bikes, have expressed concerns that the new law unfairly groups them with higher-speed vehicles, potentially limiting their use for transportation purposes.
Murphy stated that the need to update regulations arose from a growing trend in e-bike usage, which poses safety risks on the roads. He emphasized his administration's commitment to making roads safer for all users.
Under the new rule, e-bike owners and operators must be at least 15 years old with a motorized bicycle license or at least 17 years old with a standard driver's license. E-bikes will also need to be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and insured. The law prohibits e-bikes on highways with speed limits over 50 mph.
However, cycling advocates like Debra Kagan from the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition have voiced opposition to the bill, citing concerns that it restricts the use of low-speed e-bikes unnecessarily and hinders efforts to promote alternative modes of transportation. According to Kagan, micromobility devices are an essential part of state goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing equitable mobility options.
The legislation marks the first update to e-bike laws in New Jersey since 2017 and comes amid growing concerns over e-bike safety following a series of crashes involving e-bikes. The law gives riders six months, or until July 19, to obtain the necessary licenses and registrations through the Motor Vehicle Commission.
like i get it safety first but c'mon class 1 ebikes are meant for short trips not racing down highways 
and now they're basically forced to get a license which is gonna be a hassle for a lot of people especially older adults who don't need no motorized license 
plus it's just another barrier to people using ebikes as a sustainable transport option 
i feel like nj gov phil murphy should've included some more flexibility in the law 
just read about new jersey's new ebike laws... think its kinda harsh tho. shouldnt they focus on educating people instead of limiting ebike use? 
but still, dont see why low-speed ebikes need licenses too 
, and we were both riding hoverboards like they were unicorns or something... anyway, it got me thinking about hoverboards and how cool it would be to ride them for transportation. I mean, can you imagine just cruising around the city without cars? It's like something out of a sci-fi movie 
...
so now ebike riders need a license? like who even thought that was a good idea? i mean idk if NJ is trying to stifle people's freedom or just not want them on the roads, but this law is just gonna push ebikes to the side of the road instead of making the roads safer
. It's like we gotta balance our freedom to ride with our responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe on the roads 
. Some people might think it's too restrictive, but I think it's a step in the right direction 
. We gotta look at e-bikes not just as a fun way to get around, but also as a mode of transportation that needs regulations to protect everyone 
.
. Like, come on, just because there's been some e-bike accidents doesn't mean we need to lock down the whole thing. I get that safety is important, but do we really need licenses and insurance for these? It's not like they're cars or anything. And what about all the kids who can't afford a license, let alone register their bike? This law is just gonna push more people towards scooters instead 