Despite staunch opposition from cyclists and hesitation from some lawmakers, a New Jersey Senate panel unanimously advanced legislation (S4834/A6235), which significantly expands the definition of “motorized bicycles” to include nearly all electric bicycles.
Under the proposed law and the expanded definition of motorized bikes, most drivers would be subject to stricter regulations, including licensing, registration, and insurance requirements. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Nicholas P. Scutari (D-22), and co-sponsored by Sen. Vin Gopal (D-11), James W. Holzapfel (R-10), and Sen. Troy Singleton (D-7), aims to improve safety following a rise in e-bike accidents. It is part of a push to overhaul the existing, more lenient three-tier e-bike classification system, according to the bill.
E-bike Injuries Up Nationwide
Under current law, low-speed e-bikes that go up to 20 mph — classified as Class 1 or Class 2 — require no license or registration. Class 3 e-bikes, which have a maximum speed of 28 mph, are treated as motorized bicycles and already require registration, a driver’s license, and insurance.
Nationally, e-bike injuries are up 293% from 2019 to 2022, according to Columbia University researchers.
The new law would also require low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters to be registered with the MVC and have insurance. These vehicles are not low-speed electric bicycles—they are much faster electric motorcycles or electric dirt bikes, according to the NJ Bike Coalition.
Insurance Could Go Up For Everyone
The proposed legislation could significantly increase auto insurance costs by reclassifying all e-bikes as motorized bicycles and requiring them to be insured, registered, and licensed. There is the potential that current auto policyholders could be liable for injuries to uninsured e-bike riders, shifting costs from individual riders to the broader auto insurance pool.
Critics argue this creates an unfair burden and a de facto ban, while supporters aim to improve safety. However, there is concern that this new mandate could raise premiums for everyone with car insurance.
People For Bikes, a trade association representing the U.S. bicycle industry, said the overview of the law uses the generic term “e-bike,” lumping together everything with two wheels and an electric motor. It can include a variety of devices, including electric bicycles, electric mopeds, scooters, electric dirt bikes, and electric motorcycles, People For Bikes said.
Low-speed electric bicycles are a clearly defined vehicle type under both federal and most state laws: they must have operable pedals, an electric motor rated at 750 watts or less, and a maximum speed of 20 mph when powered solely by the motor.
E-motos are electric mopeds, motorcycles, and dirt bikes that are much more powerful and faster than electric bicycles. They are equipped with throttles and typically exceed 30 miles per hour, faster than any electric bicycle can travel. Some E-motos can achieve highway speeds of 65 miles per hour.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): An amendment makes e-bikes eligible for PIP under auto policies, meaning if you’re injured on an e-bike, your car insurance pays.
- Uninsured Rider Costs: If an uninsured e-bike rider causes an accident, other auto insurance customers could end up paying for their injuries through the shared risk pool.
