A bill that would revamp regulations regarding e-bicycles has been advanced by the Senate Transportation Committee in a unanimous vote.
The measure, sponsored by Sen. President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union), would make e-bikes the equivalent of motorized bicycles and subject them to the same rules for licenses, registration and insurance. Under current law, low-speed e-bikes that go up to 20 miles per hour require no license or registration.
Critics of the bill voiced their opposition at a committee hearing Dec. 4. The common theme among those opposed was that it is a bad idea to do away with all bike classifications. They argued that licensing and insurance requirements would seriously limit the number of individuals who can ride e-bikes in the state.
Some who testified argued that the bill would make New Jersey an outlier. They said that most states follow a three-class e-bike system. They also raised concerns that insurance companies will not be willing to insure low-speed e-bikes.
The opponents also argued that what is needed is better enforcement of regulations already on the books aimed at preventing reckless driving of the bikes. Some suggested an education program for vendors and parents on teenage safety provisions.
Supporters of the bill cites a rising percentage of accidents, some of which leave families of non-riders with serious medical bills and no possibility of recovering costs from driver liability insurance.
In Cape May County numerous towns have grappled with the issue of e-bike safety.
On Oct. 6, the Lower Township Council passed an ordinance establishing regulations for operating electric bikes, scooters and low-speed vehicles or golf carts. While the township did establish minimal rules for operating e-bikes, Mayor Frank Sippel complained to the Herald, “There was not much we can do because the state doesn’t regulate them – there is no license, no registration – but I think eventually it will go the way of mopeds.” Mopeds must be both registered and insured in New Jersey. Scutari’s bill provides some of what Sippel said he was looking for.
Wildwood has regulations against the use of e-bikes on the boardwalk. The police have even purchased four e-bikes so that officers can keep up with bike riders, who can move at as much as 20 miles per hour. Deputy Mayor Steve Mikulski said to a Herald reporter that the state needed to act. “I wish they would,” he said, “they really need to be regulated.”
North Wildwood passed regulations on limiting the times that e-bikes can be driven on beaches. Sea Isle, Cape May and other towns have all grappled with safety issues involved with e-bike use.
A September 2024 study at Columbia University showed e-bike injuries increased nationally by almost 300% from 2019 to 2022.
The bill (S4834) was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. It has no counterpart in the Assembly at this time.
