NEW JERSEY — Three teenagers were killed in Union County crashes involving e-bikes in the past week, prompting Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz to draft legislation that would require riders of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters to be at least 17 years old and hold a driver’s license.
“As a mom and nurse, my focus has always been on the health and safety of children in our communities. With the increasing affordability and dangers of e-bikes, more of our young riders are being hurt and killed. As a lawmaker, I have the obligation and privilege to propose new regulations to protect our kids and prevent future tragedies like we recently experienced in Cranford and Scotch Plains,” Munoz (R-Union) said.
On Sept. 24, 13-year-old Nico Lombardi of Scotch Plains was fatally struck by a landscaping truck while riding his e-bike. Five days later, on Sept. 29, two Cranford High School students were killed when a driver struck their e-bike on Burnside Avenue.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 1.1 million e-bikes were sold in the United States in 2022 — nearly four times as many as in 2019. Injuries have climbed alongside sales: 751 riders sought emergency room care in 2017 compared with 23,493 in 2022. E-scooter injuries were even higher, with 56,847 in 2022, reflecting a 45% annual increase from 2017 to 2022.
“No family should have to experience the nightmare of burying their child, but it’s exceptionally upsetting to me when perhaps it could have been avoided entirely if the right laws and education had been in place,” Munoz said. “E-bikes shouldn’t be going faster than 20 mph, but people make modifications or purchase a model that allows the rider to more easily exceed the limit. In many neighborhoods, residents have reported teens riding recklessly, exceeding speed limits, and disobeying the rules of the road that traditional cyclists must follow.”
Currently, New Jersey law allows two classes of low-speed e-bikes to follow the same rules as traditional bicycles. Class 1 bikes provide motor assistance only while pedaling and stop at 20 mph, while Class 2 bikes can be propelled solely by a motor up to 20 mph. Low-speed e-scooters have a speed limit of 19 mph. Riders under 17 must wear helmets but do not need a license, insurance, or registration.
“Kids are riding e-bikes and scooters without training, or a license or an understanding of just how dangerous they can be. Road safety isn’t optional. It’s time the law reflects the realities and modes of transportation on our roads today,” Munoz said.
Munoz said she plans to formally introduce her bill when the Assembly reconvenes for a quorum this fall.
