New Jersey Mandates Licenses for E-Bike Riders Amid Growing Concerns Over Safety
A new law signed into effect by outgoing Governor Phil Murphy aims to curb e-bike crashes that have become increasingly common in the state. The legislation requires all forms of e-bikes, including pedal-assist bicycles, to be classified as motorized bicycles, forcing riders to obtain a license or standard driver's license.
The move has sparked criticism from cycling advocates, who argue that it unfairly groups low-speed e-bikes with higher-speed vehicles. Debra Kagan, executive director of the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition, stated that the new classification does not address safety concerns and instead makes it more difficult for people relying on micromobility devices as alternatives to cars.
The law requires e-bike owners and operators to be at least 15 years old with a motorized bicycle license or 17 years old with a standard driver's license. E-bikes must also be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and insured, while being prohibited on highways with speed limits over 50 mph.
The legislation is the first update to e-bike laws in six years, coming as concerns over e-bike safety have heightened following several crashes involving e-bikes. In September, two e-bike riders were killed in separate incidents in Scotch Plains and Orange.
Riders now have a six-month window – until July 19 – to obtain the required licenses and registrations through the Motor Vehicle Commission. The change marks an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions by providing more equitable mobility options, according to cycling advocates.
A new law signed into effect by outgoing Governor Phil Murphy aims to curb e-bike crashes that have become increasingly common in the state. The legislation requires all forms of e-bikes, including pedal-assist bicycles, to be classified as motorized bicycles, forcing riders to obtain a license or standard driver's license.
The move has sparked criticism from cycling advocates, who argue that it unfairly groups low-speed e-bikes with higher-speed vehicles. Debra Kagan, executive director of the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition, stated that the new classification does not address safety concerns and instead makes it more difficult for people relying on micromobility devices as alternatives to cars.
The law requires e-bike owners and operators to be at least 15 years old with a motorized bicycle license or 17 years old with a standard driver's license. E-bikes must also be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and insured, while being prohibited on highways with speed limits over 50 mph.
The legislation is the first update to e-bike laws in six years, coming as concerns over e-bike safety have heightened following several crashes involving e-bikes. In September, two e-bike riders were killed in separate incidents in Scotch Plains and Orange.
Riders now have a six-month window – until July 19 – to obtain the required licenses and registrations through the Motor Vehicle Commission. The change marks an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions by providing more equitable mobility options, according to cycling advocates.
... I mean, I get that they wanna make e-bikes safer, but this seems kinda harsh, ya know? Like, what's next? Are we gonna need a license just for walking down the street with a backpack on? 
Just kidding, sorta. But seriously, I can see why cycling advocates are upset - it feels like they're being lumped in with cars and trucks instead of their own unique group.
. It's not like people are gonna just throw away their bikes 'cause now they gotta register them. I think it would've been better if they'd found a way to make the licenses more accessible or created separate categories for different types of e-bikes.
. And who knows, maybe this will encourage more people to use e-bikes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Maybe it's a step in the right direction? 
. My little cousin has an e-bike and he's only 13, but we just got him one last year and I'm still worried about him riding alone on the streets... I guess this new law is a good thing? I don't know if it's fair to all those cyclists who are just trying to get around without hurting anyone 
. I mean, my friend's husband used to be a cop and he's always saying that helmets should be mandatory for everyone, but at least now we can talk about e-bike safety... I'm still gonna make sure my cousin wears his helmet every time he rides 
! i mean, some of us are just trying to get around the city without using a car and now we gotta deal with all these extra steps? 
how am i supposed to ride an e-bike safely when i'm still learning? 
but i wish they'd done more research before implementing all these rules 
theyre supposed 2 be safer than cars anyway... dont get me wrong, im all 4 enviroment but this isnt gonna hurt nobody 
. Like, what is the value of our lives, really? Is it worth risking it all for convenience or maybe, just maybe, making some tiny changes to our habits that could have a bigger impact in the long run?
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