Credit: New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition.
NEW JERSEY – A new bill making its way through the state legislature aims to temper the current law governing E-bikes.
The bill, S4830, was introduced by Raj Mukherji (D-32) and Michael L. Testa Jr. (R-2). It was assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee. Mukherji is the committee’s vice chair.
If passed, the measure would eliminate licensing, registration, and insurance requirements for e-bikes that travel 20mph or slower. Under the state’s current law, operators of all e-bikes, regardless of speed, must be licensed, register their bikes with the state, and carry insurance.
The current law went into effect in July and is widely regarded as the toughest in the nation. Bicycle advocates and other critics have decried it as a draconian overreach and welcome the new bill, which distinguishes low-speed, pedal-assisted bicycles from e-moto bikes, which are faster and their speed is controlled by a throttle, similar to a motorcycle.
“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.” Debra Kagan, New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition’s executive director, said in a release.
The bill would leave in place licensing, registration, and insurance requirements for e-moto 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,” Mukherji said in a release.