Murphy signs e-bike safety law adding licensing, registration and insurance requirements
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday signed legislation that expands regulation of electric bicycles in New Jersey, adding new licensing, registration and insurance requirements after a series of serious crashes.
The measure, S4834/A6235, updates how the state classifies and regulates e-bikes by expanding the types of bicycles treated as “motorized bicycles” to cover all forms of e-bikes. It also extends the classification to include pedal bicycles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that can assist while pedaling or exclusively propel the bicycle.
“It is clear that we are in an age of increasing e-bike use that requires us to take action and update regulations that help prevent tragedies from occurring,” Murphy said. “Making our roads safer for all users has been a key priority for my Administration. I’d like to thank Senate President Scutari for taking the initiative to improve the safe use of e-bikes in New Jersey.”
Supporters pointed to multiple crashes involving electric bikes, including two deaths in separate incidents in Scotch Plains and Orange, as the legislation moved through the Statehouse.
“This is the first update to e-bike laws in six years,” the announcement said.
Under the new law, owners and operators of electric bicycles would be required to obtain motorized bicycle licenses, registration and insurance. Operators must be at least 17 with a valid driver’s license, or at least 15 with a motorized bicycle license, according to the bill’s provisions.
The legislation also adds rules for motorists sharing the road with e-bikes, requiring drivers to use due caution when approaching and passing, including slowing down, leaving a safe distance, or changing lanes, the announcement said.
Senate President Nick Scutari, a prime sponsor, said the growth in e-bike use has created new safety risks.
“The dramatic increase in the use of e-bikes has created greater dangers for their operators, other motorists, and pedestrians,” Scutari said. “They are faster, more powerful, and far more prevalent. Their popularity with young people, coupled with their inexperience as operators, puts them at greater risk. We are in a new era of e-bike use that requires updated safety standards to help prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Requiring registration and licensing will improve their safe use and having them insured will protect those injured in accidents.”
Sen. Paul Moriarty said e-bikes warrant different rules than traditional bicycles.
“New, evolving forms of transportation need new, evolving regulations,” Moriarty said. “E-bikes are not the same as traditional bicycles and pose many more dangers on the road. It has become very clear that they should be regulated in different ways. This legislation will work to ensure that the necessary safeguards are in place to properly protect e-bike operators, as well as pedestrians, other drivers, and other cyclists.”
Assemblyman James Kennedy said the law is intended to better match regulations to how the vehicles are used.
“Over the past several years, electric bikes have become an integral part of how people move around our state, and it’s important we have laws to reflect the changes to our roads,” Kennedy said. “Simply put, if an electric bike can go as fast as a small motorcycle, we should treat it with the same level of care and attention. This legislation will keep our roadways safe for drivers, riders and pedestrians.”
Assemblyman Sterley Stanley said the requirements are aimed at reducing risk.
“Too many people have fallen victim to the dangers that come with operating electric bikes, and it is our responsibility to make sure residents understand the danger inherent in their use,” Stanley said. “Setting basic rules, such as age, registration, and licensing requirements helps protect riders and the people around them. Our primary responsibility as legislators is to keep people safe, which is why we owe it to the people of New Jersey to do our part to ensure all vehicles operate in a manner free of unnecessary risk.”
The bill was co-sponsored by Scutari and Moriarty in the Senate and Kennedy, Assemblywoman Linda Carter and Stanley in the Assembly.
