U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) on Friday announced new federal action to address the alarming rise in e-bike accidents involving children, unveiling his E-Bike Safety Plan at Hackensack High School alongside local officials and first responders.
Just last month, a 14-year-old boy died in an e-bike crash in Somers Point, N.J., after being hit by a car. In North Jersey, several e-bike crashes have resulted in hospitalizations. A national study found that children ages 10 to 13 made up more than 44% of e-bike injuries. Nationwide, injuries surged 293% between 2019 and 2022, according to federal data.
“E-bikes are everywhere, it’s a fast-growing trend. While fun and efficient, without the right safety precautions, e-bikes can be dangerous. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s becoming increasingly common. These aren’t just statistics. They are children, friends, and family members. We must ensure families get the best possible education and resources they need to stay informed and protect themselves when using e-bikes,” Gottheimer said. “When it comes to preventing our children from serious crashes, we need to pull out all the stops and put real safeguards in place. By further raising awareness, I’m hoping that we can prevent the next e-bike crash before it happens. The stakes are too high to let partisan politics stop us from protecting our kids.”
The E-Bike Safety Plan includes the introduction of the Safety and Funding for E-Bikes Ride Act, or S.A.F.E. Ride Act, which would increase federal investment for states to create or expand electric bike safety plans. These plans would promote helmet use, provide crash data, and support law enforcement in local outreach efforts.
Gottheimer also said he will press major rental companies like Citi Bike and Lyft to enforce their own safety policies, and he urged the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop safety recommendations and guidelines for schools and public awareness campaigns. He is also calling for collaboration between the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the state Department of Education on a statewide campaign. In addition, Gottheimer said he will work with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to include e-bike safety funding in the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill.
E-bike sales have skyrocketed, with more than 1.7 million sold in the U.S. in 2024 — a nearly 75% increase over 2023. In New Jersey, accidents involving young riders have drawn growing concern. A 15-year-old in Montvale was hospitalized in July after his e-bike collided with a car, and in August, a 13-year-old in Westfield suffered a serious head injury after crashing.
