New Push in New Jersey Could Bring Driver Licenses, Registration and Insurance to Every E-Bike Rider

Electric bikes are being assessed by New Jersey regulators. Senate President Nick Scutari favors licensing, registering, and insuring e-bike riders, unlike mopeds and the quickest, most powerful bikes.

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee advanced the bill for a full Senate vote Monday. The Senate has not scheduled the legislation, a significant New Jersey safety, regulation, and micromobility concern.

The state would define “motorized bicycle” and ban three-tier electric bikes. All pedal bikes with electric motors—throttle or pedal—are included.

Only e-bikes exceeding 20 mph are regulated by the state. Every electric motorcycle would be regulated.

Sen. Scutari wanted the amendment because e-bikes endanger pedestrians, automobiles, and users. He believes these motorcycles are “faster, more powerful and far more common” than a few years ago and need new laws to reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths.

Rising e-bike use in NJ affects road safety. The measure’s authors say registration and insurance will help identify crashed bikes and ensure injured victims receive proper coverage.

Not everyone enjoys the method. Cycling enthusiasts argue that banning all e-bikes, even slow, pedal-assist ones used by kids, commuters, and delivery people, is absurd. E-bikes vary substantially between low-speed and fast variants.

Advocates urge Congress to help low-wage workers and young pedal-assist riders by changing the law. School safety training, merchant labeling, and dangerous delivery assistance are advised.

Politicians and groups discussed bike lanes and signs. Teens must master riding. Advocacy groups educate parents about kid-safe e-bikes.

The measure can be signed and e-bike owners given time to comply. Motorcycle riders must comply in one year. After the bill took effect, non-regulated e-bikes had six months to conform.

Legal age requirements would change. Motorcycle riders 17 and older need a normal New Jersey driver’s license. Teen MVC motorized bicycle licenses are necessary.

As e-bikes become more popular for business, commuting, and pleasure, New Jersey must decide how to integrate them into its transportation system. Policymakers, safety advocates, and users find e-bikes problematic. Safety upgrades or license and insurance?

Sources:

New Jersey Legislature
Statements by Senate President Nick Scutari
New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition
State transportation and safety reports