New Jersey’s revised e-bike rules have taken effect, putting thousands of riders under licensing, registration and insurance requirements for the first time.
Phil Murphy signed the law before leaving the governor’s office in January. The measure divides e-bikes into two categories. One covers low-speed electric bikes and pedal-assist models with a top speed of 20 miles per hour.
The other covers faster throttle-powered bikes reaching 28 miles per hour.
Owners must register lower-speed e-bikes with the state Motor Vehicle Commission. Riders using faster throttle-powered bikes must register them and carry liability insurance before riding on New Jersey roads.
The rules also set rider requirements for both categories. Riders must be at least 15 years old, hold a valid driver’s license or a special e-bike license from the Motor Vehicle Commission, and wear a helmet at any age. Violations bring fines of up to $50 each.
By July 15, the commission had issued more than 4,100 e-bike registrations and 250 e-bike permits, according to agency spokesman William Connolly. He said the MVC has been working to serve riders as quickly and efficiently as it can.
The rules also affect riders from outside New Jersey. People bringing e-bikes across state lines must register them in New Jersey and obtain an e-bike license unless they already hold a regular driver’s license.
State officials pushed the tighter framework after several fatal e-bike crashes in New Jersey.
Murphy’s office cited numerous dangerous crashes when he signed the bill. State Senate President Nick Scutari, a Union County Democrat and bill sponsor, said e-bikes have become faster and more powerful, with younger and less experienced riders using them more often.
The injury data added pressure. E-bike injuries across the US rose 293% from 2019 to 2022, according to Columbia University researchers.
Bike advocates opposed the law, saying New Jersey has added unnecessary hurdles for cyclists. The fight now shifts from the statute to execution, where riders, insurers and the MVC have to make the new system work.
