Gottheimer, MVC brief residents on New Jersey’s new e-bike law ahead of July 19 rollout
NEW JERSEY — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., and officials from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission hosted a virtual briefing Tuesday to help residents understand the state’s new e-bike law, which takes effect July 19.
The briefing focused on new statewide requirements for e-bike registration, licensing and, in some cases, insurance, while also addressing the growing popularity of e-bikes and an increase in crashes and injuries involving riders.
Under the new law, all e-bikes must be registered with the MVC. Only motorized bicycles and mopeds will be required to carry insurance, while low-speed electric bicycles must still be registered but do not require insurance.
The law also establishes age and licensing requirements. Riders must be at least 15 years old and hold either an e-bike license or a valid driver’s license. Renters of low-speed electric bicycles capable of traveling under 21 mph must be at least 16 years old, but no license is required.
To obtain an e-bike license, applicants must study the state’s driver and e-bike/moped manuals, pass knowledge and vision tests to receive a permit, complete a supervised practice period and pass a road test before receiving a license.
Registration requires an appointment with the MVC, completion of Form BA-49EB, proof of identity, proof of ownership and, when applicable, proof of insurance. Registration decals must be affixed to both sides of the e-bike’s front fork.
The $5 e-bike permit examination fee will be waived through January 2027.
Retailers also will be required to provide registration forms to purchasers at the point of sale.
“Look, I used to pedal my bike around the neighborhood as a kid, and I still do, but more and more people are riding e-bikes these days, and the trend keeps growing,” Gottheimer said. “If used properly, e-bikes can be a safe, fun, and effective way to get around. But, just like driving a car, we need to make sure people, especially younger riders, are taking the right precautions.”
Gottheimer cited several recent fatal and serious e-bike crashes in New Jersey, including the deaths of a teenager in Southampton Township and a high school freshman in Middletown this month, as well as a serious crash involving a 13-year-old in Westfield last year.
According to information shared during the briefing, e-bike injuries nationwide increased 293% between 2019 and 2022, with hospitals treating more than 53,000 e-bike-related injuries since 2017. Children ages 10 to 13 are the age group most commonly injured, according to the National Institutes of Health.
“The more informed our communities are, the better chance we have of preventing the next crash before it happens. I’m grateful for the collaboration and support from the state motor vehicles in bringing this information directly to families across my District,” Gottheimer said.
MVC Chief Administrator Rosalie Johnson and Director of Legislative Affairs Chris Hillman joined Gottheimer for the virtual briefing.
