Press Release: New Jersey E-Bike Coalition Applauds Legislation Removing Barriers to Low-Speed E-Bikes

“E-bikes are a sustainable transit option transforming how New Jerseyans commute, work, and navigate our communities, but our laws need to distinguish between what’s essentially a pedal bicycle with a little electric assistance and a powerful motorized vehicle capable of endangering pedestrians and riders alike,” said Senator Raj Mukherji (D-Jersey City), Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “This legislation would close gaps in insurance coverage while striking a sensible balance between public safety and preserving access to affordable, environmentally friendly transportation.”

“There is no doubt that e-bikes have transformed transportation for thousands of New Jersey residents,” said Senator Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth). “This legislation will help keep New Jerseyans safe without compromising the accessibility, freedom, and versatility that ebikes provide.”

“By regulating higher-speed e-motos, without limiting access for people who use low-speed e-bikes for their basic transportation needs, this bill addresses safety along with the responsible growth of micromobility as a key part of building an accessible, affordable, and sustainable transportation system in NJ.” said Debra Kagan, Executive Director, New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition. “We want to thank Senator Mukherji for his leadership and his efforts to keep our streets safe while supporting critical mobility options for all of us who travel through our communities without a car.”

 “Mobility is freedom, and e-bikes have absolutely transformed what’s possible for people who want or need to get around without a car,” said Zoe Baldwin, Vice President of State Programs at Regional Plan Association. “As the densest state in the nation with ambitious environmental goals and rampant traffic problems, NJ should be embracing and encouraging this new form of mobility. This legislation gets us back on track, removing unnecessary barriers while maintaining appropriate oversight for high-speed devices. That’s good policy for residents, communities, and the state’s transportation future.”

“We are thrilled to see legislation moving forward that recognizes the important distinction between low-speed electric bicycles and higher-speed electric vehicles and motorcycles. At Jesse’s e-Rides, we see firsthand how life-changing an electric bicycle or tricycle can be, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities who may not be able to ride a traditional bicycle or obtain a driver’s license. For these individuals, this isn’t simply about recreation. It’s about independence, inclusion, and the freedom to participate fully in their communities.” – Shannon Connor, Owner, Jesse’s e-Rides, Shrewsbury, NJ

“PeopleForBikes looks forward to passage of this important legislation, which will once again align New Jersey’s electric bicycle laws with those of other states and help foster the adoption of electric bicycles by removing inappropriate barriers to their use. We are grateful for the past and future efforts of the Legislature and our advocacy partners in advancing SB 4830.” –  Matt Moore, Policy Counsel, PeopleForBikes

“Bicycle retailers help people choose safe products, understand how to ride them responsibly, and keep them maintained. They need clear laws that support that work and recognize the difference between low-speed e-bikes and high-powered electric motorcycles. We welcome this legislation as an important step toward restoring confidence for riders and the local businesses that serve them. The NBDA thanks Senator Mukherji and our coalition partners for listening to retailers and working toward a solution that supports safety, access, and the future of cycling in New Jersey.” – Heather Mason, Executive Director, National Bicycle Dealers Association

“If enacted, the bill’s provisions will be good news for out-of-state commuters and visitors who must buy liability insurance and register e-bikes with the MVC, even if they are just casually riding in the state for a few hours.” – John Boyle, The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

Customers depend more and more on delivery apps to get their food and household items delivered to their doorstep, and that means the app companies need more e-bikes to make more money. We applaud New Jersey lawmakers going against making individual delivery workers responsible for registering and licensing their low speed e-bikes.  App companies should be required to contribute to providing safe e-bikes and better infrastructure to handle their use of the streets – Karin Vanoppen & Antonio Solis, Los Deliveristas Unidos

“Differentiating between safe, low-speed e-bikes and dangerous, high-speed e-motos is a critical need. New Jersey got that wrong in its flawed e-bike law and we are grateful to see this being addressed in Senator Mukherji’s new legislation. By lowering barriers to low-speed e-bikes and having higher barriers for high-speed devices, S4830 will help people choose safer e-bikes. Our thanks to the organizations in the NJ E-Bike Coalition for their work to ensure safe mobility options like e-bikes remain available to everyone.”

– Bill Nesper, Executive Director, League of American Bicyclists

“E-bikes are one of the most practical tools New Jersey has for getting people out of cars. They connect riders to train stations and bus stops, help workers reach jobs that transit alone doesn’t serve, and give people a way to get around without the cost of owning a car. The July changes put a bike shop’s pedal-assist bike in the same category as a high speed e-moto. The people hit hardest were the ones who had the fewest ways to get around. S4830 fixes that by focusing regulation on the vehicles that actually create safety risks. We thank Senator Mukherji for his leadership and urge the Legislature to pass this bill quickly so residents in Trenton and across the state can get back to riding without unnecessary red tape.” – Ashlei Tract, Tri-State Transportation Campaign

“We thank Senator Mukherji and the New Jersey legislators working to incentivize not penalize low-speed ebike riders, as well as enforce laws for users of e-motos. New Jersey must not only catch up with the rest of the world in incentivizing the use of low-speed ebikes, which are both safer and more sustainable than cars, New Jersey must also lead the way in safe and sustainable transportation practices. Why? Because we have the density, the infrastructure, and the determination to achieve what we set out to do. We look forward to seeing S4830 pass, and to working with our state legislators to pass other sustainable transportation bills as soon as possible.” –  Emmanuelle Morgen, Trustee, Hudson County Complete Streets

“We’re hopeful that our lawmakers will see the wisdom in this amendment and will vote to correct the badly flawed original bill, which had the perverse effect of penalizing responsible e-bike users.” – Beatriz Bofill, Trustee, Bike JC

“To make progress toward Vision Zero and prevent roadway fatalities, we must follow the facts. Cars are the primary safety challenge to both their operators and other road users. If we want safer streets, instead of leaving people with no other choice but to drive, we must encourage and grow transportation alternatives, from transit, to walking, to biking, to yes, low-speed e-biking.” – Jimmy Lee, Trustee, Safe Streets JC

“This is a major step forward in the fight to correct New Jersey’s flawed eBike law! Throughout 2026, low-speed e-bicycles have been unfairly lumped together with high-speed electric motorcycles, creating widespread confusion, damaging public confidence, and threatening a legitimate industry that serves communities across our state. The consequences are real. New Jersey’s tourism industry is being affected, and small, family-owned bike shops are facing unexpected financial losses through no fault of their own. Businesses that have served their communities for years should not be forced to pay the price for confusing and poorly defined legislation.” said Scott Chambers, Zippy’s Bikes Wildwood, NJ  “Let’s be clear: low-speed eBikes are not eMotos, and the law must recognize that distinction. New Jersey needs clear, consistent, common-sense legislation that targets the actual safety concerns without punishing responsible riders, local businesses, and the tourism economy that so many communities depend on.The team at Zippy’s Bikes and our customers welcome this development. We hope it signals a turning point—but the job is not finished until meaningful corrections are enacted and low-speed eBike riders and businesses have the clarity they deserve.It’s time for New Jersey to get this right!”

“The e-bike rules that took effect in July were way too restrictive for everyday riders. Treating a low-speed, pedal-assist bike like a car made no sense and hurt the exact people who need affordable transportation the most—like those who can’t drive or afford a car. Huge thanks to Senator Mukherji for listening to the community. S4830 is a common-sense fix that keeps our roads safe without punishing people trying to get to work, run errands, or just enjoy a ride. Let’s get this passed!” – James Erbe, Brielle Cyclery Inc.