New Jersey Deserves Better E-Bike Policy
Just before leaving office, Gov. Murphy has signed the bill that has become New Jersey’s “New E-Bike Law” (S4834/A6235), requiring riders to have registration and a license to ride ANY e-bike in New Jersey, including low-speed e-bikes that go under 20mph. Although this bill is now New Jersey’s “New E-Bike Law”, we aren’t giving up our opposition!
This law focuses on regulating low speed e-bikes and the people who use them, which are not the problem—and does not include enough regulation for sale, enforcement, and education of high speed e-motorcycles (e-motos), which are the problem. Together with a growing and active coalition, we are having ongoing discussions with legislators about how to fix the law, to address the problems that are already impacting communities around the state. News agencies are already reporting on the undue burden the law is placing on persons with disabilities, immigrant workers, and others facing economic hardship and limited transportation options.
We invite you to join us by contacting your legislators, sharing your own stories about how this law is personally impacting you, and asking them to step up to fix this law.
Implementation and Enforcement: Here’s What We Know So Far
With so much confusion about the “New E-Bike Law”, we have heard lots of questions about which rules apply to whom and when. The level of confusion we’ve seen in the last few weeks is the direct result of rushed legislation that failed to respond to constituent’s testimony about the bills’ shortcomings and negative impact on vulnerable communities. While many local law enforcement agencies have begun distributing information about their interpretation of the law, the law is filled with inconsistent language leading to contradictory messages which need clarification.
We have been working with coalition partners and state agencies to get clarification about how the law is being implemented. Below is a summary of what we know so far and what remains unclear. We will update this page as additional information becomes available.
The Law Uses A New Classification System
Like the old law, the new law offers three categories–however, these make substantial changes to prior classifications. The former Classes 1, 2, and 3 no longer apply and are replaced by entirely new classifications. Note also that E-scooters are not affected by the new law.
| New Classification | Description |
| Low Speed Electric Bicycles |
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| Motorized Bicycles |
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| Electric Motorized Bicycles |
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Points For Clarification:
Although the categories use different combinations of the words “electric” and “motorized”, the specific definitions–and not the general, common usage of these terms–should be used to identify the corresponding classification of devices.
We have also heard some confusion whether “Low Speed Electric Bicycles” is a subcategory of “Motorized Bicycles” or a stand-alone category. From our conversations with coalition partners and legislative leaders, it is our understanding that these are separate categories with their own, specific regulations. Therefore, the requirements for Low Speed Electric Bicycles are DIFFERENT that the requirements for Motorized Bicycles.
Additionally, devices with more than two wheels are not described in the law at all, nor are there descriptions for other devices such as cargo bikes that may carry passengers or recumbent bikes that may be used by older riders, persons with disabilities, or those requiring adaptive mobility tools. Therefore, it is unclear whether any requirements apply to these devices, which may have some of the features described above but do not otherwise fit the definitions in the law.
The Law Requires Licensing, Registration, Insurance, and Helmets for Specific Devices
The main requirements of this law relate to licensing, registration, and insurance. Each new classification has different requirements. Additionally, persons aged 15-16 must apply for a motorized bicycle license to operate any e-bike. The law also requires an NJDOT-approved helmet for persons using “Motorized Bicycles.”
New Classification | Requirements |
Low Speed Electric Bicycles |
|
Motorized Bicycles |
|
Electric Motorized Bicycles |
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The Law Goes Into Effect Immediately, With a 6-Month Grace Period
While the law goes into effect immediately (on January 20, 2026, the date it was signed), people will have six months following the date the bill was passed to obtain appropriate license, registration, and insurance for devices that did not previously require them.
Effective Immediately |
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6-Month Grace Period |
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Points For Clarification:
However, this “grace period” does not clearly prohibit law enforcement agencies from stopping users or issuing citations in the near term. While some local police departments are reporting immediate enforcement, especially for age requirements, we have requested confirmation from state agencies.
The Law Applies to Device Owners/Operators and Businesses Selling or Renting Devices
Although the law describes regulations primarily according to the specific device being used, they ultimately apply to the people who own, operate, sell, or rent the devices. Enforcement and compliance for licensing and registration will be coordinated through the Motor Vehicle Commission and state and local law enforcement agencies. Insurance policies will be provided through private insurance companies.
Owners/Operators |
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Businesses Selling or Renting Devices |
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Points For Clarification:
It is unclear whether procedures related to registration will be handled by owners at a designated Motor Vehicle Commission facility or by the seller at the point of sale. Further, while “Motorized Bicycles” are prohibited from carrying anyone other than the operator, it is unclear if other devices may be used to carry passengers and what, if any, requirements may additionally apply to them.
The Law Bans Internet Sales of Specific Devices
The law states that no person shall sell, or offer for sale, on the Internet any “Electric Motorized Bicycle”. This does not prohibit any local sales. The ban does not make reference to “Low Speed Electric Bicycles” or “Motorized Bicycles”.
Electric Motorized Bicycles |
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Points For Clarification:
Because the definition of “Electric Motorized Bicycles” includes pedals, it is unclear how this ban may apply to e-motos without pedals (Surron, Talaria, Tuttio, etc).
The Law Does Not Apply to Bike Shares
All Bike Shares are exempt from license requirements. Currently, CitiBike/Lyft is the only public bike share company operating in New Jersey that offers e-bikes. The minimum age for bike share users is already established as 16 years.
The Law May Not Apply to Out-of-State Residents
The law states that nonresident owners of “Motorized Bicycles” must comply with the laws that govern licensing, registration, and insurance in their own home state and that the new requirements in New Jersey will not apply to them.
Points For Clarification:
The law does not address nonresident uses of “Low Speed Electric Bicycles”. It also does not distinguish nonresident users who are riding a device they do not own and have not rented from an authorized business.
The law does not address nonresident uses of “Electric Motorized Bicycles”. However, Motorcycles already require license, registration, and insurance as motor vehicles, regardless of the operator’s home state.
