New Jersey has taken a step towards regulating its e-bike population with Governor Phil Murphy's signing of a bill requiring licenses for riders. Under the new law, all forms of e-bikes, including pedal-assist bikes, will be classified as motorized bicycles, a classification that cycling advocates say is too restrictive.
Critics argue that low-speed e-bikes that operate under 20 miles per hour are unfairly lumped together with higher-speed vehicles, making it difficult for individuals who rely on these devices as an alternative to cars. The New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition has opposed the bill, citing concerns that it will unnecessarily restrict the use of "class 1" low-speed e-bikes.
The legislation requires e-bike owners and operators to be at least 15 years old with a motorized bicycle license or at least 17 years old with a standard driver's license. Additionally, e-bikes must be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and insured. Highways with speed limits over 50 miles per hour will also be off-limits to e-bikes.
Governor Murphy justified the new regulations as an effort to prevent tragedies caused by e-bike crashes, which have gained attention in recent months. Two e-bike riders were killed in separate incidents within a week in Scotch Plains and Orange, highlighting the need for stricter safety measures.
The law provides six months for e-bike owners to obtain the necessary licenses and registrations before it takes effect on July 19th. As Governor Murphy's term comes to an end, his successor Mikie Sherrill is set to take office on Tuesday afternoon, amidst efforts to update state regulations and promote road safety.
Critics argue that low-speed e-bikes that operate under 20 miles per hour are unfairly lumped together with higher-speed vehicles, making it difficult for individuals who rely on these devices as an alternative to cars. The New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition has opposed the bill, citing concerns that it will unnecessarily restrict the use of "class 1" low-speed e-bikes.
The legislation requires e-bike owners and operators to be at least 15 years old with a motorized bicycle license or at least 17 years old with a standard driver's license. Additionally, e-bikes must be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and insured. Highways with speed limits over 50 miles per hour will also be off-limits to e-bikes.
Governor Murphy justified the new regulations as an effort to prevent tragedies caused by e-bike crashes, which have gained attention in recent months. Two e-bike riders were killed in separate incidents within a week in Scotch Plains and Orange, highlighting the need for stricter safety measures.
The law provides six months for e-bike owners to obtain the necessary licenses and registrations before it takes effect on July 19th. As Governor Murphy's term comes to an end, his successor Mikie Sherrill is set to take office on Tuesday afternoon, amidst efforts to update state regulations and promote road safety.
It's gonna be super inconvenient for all the commuters who rely on those things to get around town. And for what? So we don't have any more "tragedies" like that? Like, come on, accidents happen! You gotta take some risks in life. Don't wanna live in a world where everyone's just stuck at home because they're too scared to ride an e-bike 
and now it's gonna be like they're 'motorized bicycles' too... idk, feels kinda restrictive 
... this new law is just gonna make me wanna take up hiking or something 
. I mean, low-speed e-bikes are basically safe to ride, right? 
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), e-bike crashes are super rare - we're talking 0.01% of all cycling accidents! 
That being said, I do get why they want stricter safety measures in place... 
. But let's not forget, this new law is gonna be a total bummer for those who rely on e-bikes as an eco-friendly alternative to cars 
. And have you seen the cost of registration and insurance? 
It's gonna add up! 
. What do you guys think? Should we be more concerned about the impact on eco-friendly transportation or is this new law a necessary evil? 
but at the same time, it's like, good that they're takin care of those e-bike accidents 
i mean, two deaths in a week is crazy 
so yeah, let's hope the new regulations help prevent more stuff like that from happenin 
and hey, it's all about finding that balance right? we don't wanna be too restrictive or stifle innovation 
but at the same time, safety should always come first 
. I still remember those old days when you could ride an e-bike anywhere without a fuss... now it's all about getting licenses and insuring them 
. Governor Murphy wants to prevent crashes, but this law is just going to make more people frustrated and scared