This New Jersey E-Bike Law Is the Most Restrictive in the U.S.

"This week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy enacted the strictest e-bike law in the nation, defining Class 1 bikes as "low-speed electric bicycles" and classifying Class 2 and 3 e-bikes as "motorized bicycles." This new law requires all e-bikes to be registered, and all Class 2 and 3 e-bikes to be insured. It also requires riders over 17 to have a driver's license to operate them, and outlaws anyone under 15 from riding them at all."

"No matter how you feel about eMTBs and e-bikes in general, we can all agree that they are a valuable tool, allow more people on bikes, reduce the dependency on cars, and, overall, do more good than harm. On the other hand, the unrestricted e-mopeds and motos are the biggest issue surrounding e-bikes in the modern age, and if anything needs more regulation, it's these."

New Jersey enacted a strict e-bike law that designates Class 1 bikes as low-speed electric bicycles while labeling Class 2 and 3 e-bikes motorized bicycles. The law requires registration for all e-bikes, insurance for Class 2 and 3 models, and mandates that riders 17 and older hold a valid basic driver's license or motorized bicycle license; riders under 15 are prohibited. The law imposes extra regulations on low-speed e-bikes while leaving electric mopeds and motorcycles largely unregulated. The rapid legislative advance occurred despite broad opposition. The measure harms riders, retailers, and the industry and undermines cycling accessibility in New Jersey.

Read at BikeMag