By Jaimie Julia Winters
New Jersey residents can now begin making appointments to register e-bikes and obtain the permits and licenses required under the state’s new e-bike law, with police departments across the state preparing to begin enforcement in mid-July.
The law, passed earlier this year, comes amid growing concern over a rise in serious and fatal e-bike crashes. The law officially takes effect just weeks after the deaths of two New Jersey teenagers in separate e-bike crashes. Nationally, injuries involving e-bikes increased 293% between 2019 and 2022, according to researchers at Columbia University.
On June 23, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) released guidance outlining how riders can comply with the new requirements. Appointments opened that same day. Both the e-bike licensing and registration processes are outlined in detail at the MVC’s e-bike webpage and an E-bike & Moped Manual.
Registration and Licensing
Under the new law, riders who do not have a New Jersey driver’s license are now required to obtain an e-bike license and complete several in-person appointments, including obtaining a 45-day practice permit, passing written knowledge and vision tests, and completing a road test. Drivers must also be at least 15, and helmets are now required. All e-bikes must now be registered, requiring another in-person appointment.
Of the 40 MVC facilities across New Jersey, registration appointments will be available at 21 locations, permits at 27 facilities, written tests at 26 locations, and road tests at 11 centers.  Appoinments can be made directly through MVC’s online scheduler.
The law distinguishes between two types of vehicles. Low-speed electric bicycles are pedal-assisted bicycles whose motors stop assisting at 20 mph. These bikes must be registered but do not require insurance. Motorized bicycles, commonly known as mopeds, are throttle-capable and can reach speeds of up to 28 mph must now carry insurance.Â
All e-bikes must be registered and operated by someone with a valid driver’s license, e-bike license, or e-bike permit. All riders, regardless of age, must wear a helmet. Violations can result in fines and summonses, and loss of the ability to get a driver’s license. Parents may also be held accountable for their teen’s failure to comply or for reckless driving.
Rental programs, including Citi Bike e-bikes, are exempt from the new licensing requirements. Riders 16 and older also do not need a license or permit to rent a low-speed e-bike from a company operating under a contract with a local government.
Teen riders a growing concern
Attorney Thomas Shebell said teenagers continue to appear disproportionately in serious e-bike crashes.
“One of the clearest patterns is how often teenagers show up in these cases,” Shebell advises on his website. “Several of the crashes involved riders between 13 and 17 years old. That matters because younger riders may have less experience, less road awareness, and less appreciation for how fast some of these bikes actually move.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riders under 18 account for an estimated 36% to 44% of bicycle and micromobility-related injuries treated in emergency rooms nationwide.
To register an eligible e-bike, owners must provide identification, proof of ownership or an affidavit of ownership, and a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin if available. When ownership documents are unavailable, the MVC may accept a signed affidavit explaining how the bike was acquired.
Police focus on education before enforcement
Police departments throughout New Jersey are emphasizing education before issuing summonses.
“Here in Roselle, we are committed to educating residents and ensuring everyone is prepared before enforcement begins,” the Roselle Police Department said in a Facebook post. “Don’t wait until enforcement begins—get ahead of the law now.”
Several departments, including Cranford and Kearny, hosted informational sessions for residents.
The Cape May Police Department announced it will conduct island-wide educational stops to help riders understand the new law before enforcement begins July 19.
Wayne police said they will begin issuing warnings, summonses, fines, and, when appropriate, impounding e-bikes beginning July 20. Parents may also receive summonses involving underage riders. Police said the dangerous operation of an e-bike could also affect a juvenile’s ability to obtain a driver’s license.
Kearny already seeing the impact
Kearny adopted its own e-bike ordinance in November 2024 after a rise in complaints ranging from reckless riding to serious crashes.
Capt. David Rakowski, commander of the department’s Traffic Bureau, told Kearny Life last month that officers have begun an extensive public education campaign.
“The Kearny Police Department has deployed message boards with a PSA notifying the general public about the upcoming changes in the law,” Rakowski said. “In addition, the COP officers in the schools are speaking with students to make sure they are aware of the new laws. We are also planning on posting information on social media and having pamphlets printed containing all of the changes.”
The issue gained urgency following a fatal crash on Feb. 11, when authorities said Miguel Aguilar, 44, of Harrison, was operating an unregistered motorized bicycle without a valid license when he struck and killed a 72-year-old pedestrian on Kearny Avenue.
More recently, two 13-year-olds were hospitalized after falling from a high-speed e-bike near the Kearny Oval. The teens suffered cuts, bruises, and possible concussions. Riding double and operating an e-bike under the legal age are both prohibited under the new law, although police issued no summonses.
Kearny Police did not rrespond to emails inquiring when and how enfircement will beging here.
Critics say law goes too far
The new regulations have drawn criticism from bicycle advocates, who argue the law places unnecessary burdens on riders of low-speed pedal-assist bicycles.
“The current law’s requirements treat low-speed e-bikes equally with high-speed e-motorcycles, restricting transportation options and creating economic burdens for people who depend on them to get to work, to get their kids to school, to deliver our food, and to stay healthy,” said Debra Kagan, executive director of the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition.
Kagan said the coalition supports stricter oversight of high-speed electric motorcycles but believes low-speed e-bikes should face fewer regulatory hurdles.
For now, state officials are urging riders to understand the new requirements and complete registration and licensing before enforcement begins later this month.
