Trenton, NJ – Electric bicycles would be regulated as motorized vehicles under legislation advanced by New Jersey Democrats, a move that would require riders to obtain licenses, register their bikes, and carry insurance for the first time.
Senate Bill 4834, sponsored by Sen. Nicholas P. Scutari of Somerset and Union counties, cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on Dec. 11 with a favorable vote, pushing forward a proposal that removes all classifications of low-speed electric bicycles from state law. In their place, the bill expands the definition of “motorized bicycle” to include any pedal bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists while pedaling or can propel the bike through a throttle.
By redefining e-bikes as motorized bicycles, the legislation places them under Title 39, the same section of state law that governs motorcycles and mopeds. Riders would be required to register their e-bikes with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, obtain insurance, and hold either a valid basic driver’s license or a motorized bicycle license. Operators would generally need to be at least 17 years old, though riders as young as 15 could qualify with a motorized bicycle license after passing an examination.
The bill provides a transition period for current owners. Riders would have six months after the law takes effect to comply with registration, licensing, and insurance requirements for e-bikes that were not previously classified as motorized bicycles. All examination, registration, and licensing fees would be waived during the first year for those affected.
To address ownership issues, the proposal allows certain motorized bicycles to be registered using a sworn affidavit if no bill of sale exists, while making it a fourth-degree crime to knowingly submit false ownership documents. The legislation also removes references to low-speed electric bicycles across multiple statutes, including traffic safety and active transportation laws.
In addition, the bill expands accident reporting requirements, directing law enforcement officers to report crashes involving motorized bicycles to both the Motor Vehicle Commission and the Department of Transportation. It also requires annual reports to the Legislature detailing registrations, violations, complaints, and accidents involving motorized bicycles, along with recommendations for future legislation.
If enacted, the measure would take effect 60 days after approval, marking a significant shift in how electric bicycles are treated on New Jersey roads.