E-Bike Safety Law Goes Into Effect Next Month In NJ

Summer hasn't even officially begun for many New Jersey school districts, and two teenagers were already killed this June in e-bike crashes:

Chase Sudano, 16, a high school wrestling star, was killed June 16 when the e-bike he was driving collided with a UPS truck. He lived in Southampton Township in Burlington County and was just ending his sophomore year at St. Augustine High School.

In Middletown, Gustavo Rocha, 15, crashed into the back of a car while on his e-bike June 10. Although he was wearing a helmet, he was critically injured. He died of his injuries three days after the crash, last Saturday, June 13.

In light of all the deaths of teenagers on e-bikes, New Jersey passed a new statewide e-bike and e-scooter safety law, which goes into effect on July 19.

Police departments across the state are trying to get the word out about the new law. New Jersey's new e-bike law is one of the strictest in the nation for e-bikes/e-scooters.

First, the law defines e-bikes as two-wheeled vehicles with pedals, a pedal-assist motor and a top speed not exceeding 20 mph. E-scooters are defined as two-wheeled, standing-platform vehicles powered by an electric motor with a top speed not exceeding 19 mph.

Under the new law, all e-bikes must be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) before July 19.

Anyone riding an e-bike or e-scooter must carry valid insurance and possess either a driver’s license or a permit. Riders under 15 years of age are prohibited from operating e-bikes and e-scooters entirely. Those between the ages of 15 and 16 must hold a valid permit, while riders 17 and older must have a driver’s license. Helmets must be worn.

Learn about the new law here: nj.gov/mvc/vehicletopics/ebike.htm

Here is a summary of the new law:

Starting July 19, all e-bike/e-scooter riders must now have a valid license: Age 17+ (a drivers’ license) or Age 15 & 16 (a motorized bicycle license)

Children under 15 are prohibited from operating e-bikes.

All e-bikes must be registered with the NJ MVC.

All e-bike riders must now have liability insurance coverage.

Online e-bike sales are banned statewide for one year.

Modification kits to increase bike speed are now illegal.

(Note: License and registration fees are waived for the first year as residents get use to the new law.)

Also, the sale of e-bike modification kits is now prohibited statewide. Additionally, for a period of one year, New Jersey bans the online sale of motorized e-bikes.

Perth Amboy Police Chief Larry Cattano noted the recent e-bike crash of a 25-year-old who was speeding on the sidewalk and then hit a car.

He noted that city police are also confiscating illegal e-bikes, which are produced with mismatched parts and are dangerous to operate. To date, police have confiscated more than 100 of these e-bikes and dirt bikes for disposal.

“Some of these illegal e-bikes can go up to 50 mph,” the police chief said. “Anything over 20 mph has to be registered and insured.”