BY SOPHIE NIETO-MUNOZ
NJ Spotlight
New Jersey’s overhauled e-bike rules are in effect, meaning thousands of riders across the state must be licensed, registered and in some cases insured for the first time.
Under a law signed by then-Gov. Phil Murphy in January, e-bikes fall into two groups: low-speed electric or pedal-assist bikes with a top speed of 20 mph, and throttle-powered bikes that can reach 28 mph.
The lower-speed bikes must now be registered with the state Motor Vehicle Commission. Riders of the higher-speed bikes must register them and obtain liability insurance. Registering costs $8-$15 annually, though it is waived for the first year.
Riders of both types must be at least 15 years old, hold a valid driver’s license or a special e-bike license issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission and wear a helmet. Riders can face fines of up to $50 per violation.
Bike advocates opposed the law, saying it adds unneeded barriers for cyclists.
The law went into effect on July 19. As of July 15, the commission had issued more than 4,100 e-bike registrations and 250 e-bike permits, said agency spokesman William Connolly.
“MVC is working hard to service as many riders as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Connolly said.
Out-of-staters who bring their e-bikes will have to register in New Jersey and get licenses if they don’t have a regular driver’s license.
The push for tighter regulations followed a string of fatal e-bike crashes around the state. Murphy’s office cited “numerous dangerous crashes” when he signed the bill, while bill sponsor and state Senate President Nick Scutari (D-Union) said e-bikes have gotten faster and more powerful and that younger, inexperienced riders are using them.
Nationally, e-bike injuries rose 293% from 2019-2022, according to Columbia University researchers.
