Politics & Government
NJ E-Bike Law Requiring Registration, Insurance Now In Effect
As of July 15, the commission issued more than 4,100 e-bike registrations and 250 e-bike permits, agency spokesman William Connolly said.
July 20, 2026
New Jersey’s overhauled e-bike rules are now in effect, meaning thousands of riders across the state must be licensed, registered, and in some cases insured for the first time.
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Under a law signed by then-Gov. Phil Murphy before he left office in January, e-bikes fall into two groups: low-speed electric or pedal-assist bikes that top out at 20 miles per hour, and faster, throttle-powered bikes that can reach up to 28 miles per hour.
The lower-speed bikes must now be registered with the state Motor Vehicle Commission. Riders of the higher-speed bikes must register them and obtain liability insurance to ride them.
Find out what's happening in Across New Jerseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Riders of both types must be at least 15 years old, hold a valid driver’s license or a special e-bike license issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission, and wear a helmet regardless of age. Riders can face fines of up to $50 per violation.
As of July 15, the commission had issued more than 4,100 e-bike registrations and 250 e-bike permits, said agency spokesman William Connolly.
“MVC is working hard to service as many riders as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Connolly said.
Out-of-staters who bring their e-bikes across state lines will have to register their bikes in New Jersey and get licenses if they don’t have a regular driver’s license.
The push for tighter regulations followed a string of fatal e-bike crashes around the state. Murphy’s office cited “numerous dangerous crashes” when he signed the bill, while bill sponsor state Senate President Nick Scutari (D-Union) has argued that e-bikes have gotten faster and more powerful and that younger, inexperienced riders are using them.
Nationally, e-bike injuries rose by 293% from 2019 to 2022, according to Columbia University researchers.
Bike advocates opposed the new law, saying it adds unneeded barriers for cyclists.
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