Trenton, NJ – New Jersey now demands that all low-speed electric bicycles and scooters, along with traditional motor vehicles, be registered and insured, setting a new precedent for transportation regulations in the state.
The legislation extends to include a detailed insurance coverage mandate for all registered vehicles, including low-speed electric bicycles and scooters. This mandate requires liability insurance coverage that aligns with standards set by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance.
The coverage must insure against losses from liability for bodily injury, death, and property damage caused by the vehicle. Notably, the required coverage amounts increase over time: for individual injury or death, the minimum coverage increases from $15,000 before 2023, to $25,000 between 2023 and 2025, and then to $35,000 after 2026. For accidents affecting more than one person, the coverage doubles at each of these thresholds. Additionally, a minimum of $25,000 coverage for property damage is required for plans issued or renewed starting in 2023.
This comprehensive approach to regulation underscores New Jersey’s commitment to adapting its legal framework to the evolving landscape of personal transportation. By instituting these measures, the state aims to ensure that owners of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters are held to the same standards of responsibility and safety as traditional motor vehicle operators.
Under the new legislation, operating a low-speed electric bicycle or scooter without proper registration is prohibited. Owners must register their vehicles with the MVC to receive a registration certificate. The process involves submitting an application, paying the registration fee, and ensuring the vehicle meets the MVC’s standards. Once issued, the registration is valid until the end of the 11th month following its issuance.
Additionally, the law mandates that owners of these low-speed vehicles maintain liability insurance, personal injury protection coverage for pedestrians, and uninsured motorist coverage. This move aims to integrate low-speed electric bicycles and scooters more safely and responsibly into the state’s transportation framework, acknowledging their growing popularity.