What NJ’s New E-Bike Law Means For Riders: Licenses Required & Some Riders Banned

Outgoing New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Monday requiring all e-bike riders to obtain a license, registration, and insurance. The new law sets some of the strictest regulations for the vehicles in the nation.

The law reclassifies all e-bikes, which are a common site in the City of Lambertville, into a single category of motorized bicycles.

Under the new requirements, operators must be at least 15 years old and hold a motorized bicycle license from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

New Jersey residents with a typical driver’s license are exempt from needing the additional motorized bicycle credential.

To secure a license for e-bikes, riders must provide six points of identification, pass written and vision exams, and complete a road test after holding a permit for at least 20 days.

“It is clear that we are in an age of increasing e-bike use that requires us to take action and update regulations that help prevent tragedies from occurring,” Murphy said in a statement. “Making our roads safer for all users has been a key priority for my administration.”

The legislation comes as states look to address safety concerns and reduce fatalities involving e-bikes.

Senate President Nick Scutari, the bill’s sponsor, noted that the popularity of high-powered bikes presented a risk.

“Their popularity with young people, coupled with their inexperience as operators, puts them at greater risk,” Scutari said.

Children 14 and younger are prohibited from operating low-speed e-bikes, motorized e-bikes, and upright scooters, according to the law.

According to officials, operators have six months to obtain necessary documentation before facing $50 fines.

Under the new law, license and registration fees are waived for the first year. Starting in 2026, the annual registration fee will be $8.

Additionally, the law halts online e-bike sales in New Jersey for one year and bans the sale of modification kits used to increase bike power.

Previously, New Jersey categorized e-bikes into three tiers based on speed and power.

The new uniform classification replaces that system, which officials said failed to account for high-powered bikes that can reach speeds of 50 mph using batteries exceeding 3,500 watts.

The measures have faced opposition from cycling advocates and were called “dumb” by some oppents on Reddit.

The NJ Bike and Walk Coalition stated the regulations burden riders without improving road safety and create uncertainty for e-bike riders crossing between states.

There has also been concerns raised that the law impacts the jobs of delivery workers using e-bikes.