New Jersey e-bike riders required to have license, registration and insurance

Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News on Jan 19, 2026

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E-bike riders in New Jersey will be required to show a driver’s license, proof of registration and insurance after Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday signed legislation regulating motorized bikes.

The State Senate proposed bill S4834/A6235 gives e-bike riders one year to get their paperwork in order or face a $50 fine.

The governor’s office cited “numerous dangerous crashes” for the new law, which faced opposition from cycling groups that believe less stringent safety guidelines would be effective, according to NJ.com.

According to the Governor’s office “The legislation expands the types of bicycles that are regulated as motorized bicycles to cover all forms of e-bikes and extends the classification of motorized bicycles to include pedal bicycles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that can provide assistance when the rider is pedaling or to exclusively propel the bicycle.”

Cyclists under the age or 15 can’t operate motorized bicycles or scooters under the law.

State Senate President Nick Scutari championed the legislation.

“The dramatic increase in the use of e-bikes has created greater dangers for their operators, other motorists, and pedestrians,” he said in a press release celebrating Monday’s announcement.

Scutari argued that e-bikes have become increasingly “faster, more powerful, and far more prevalent” in recent years. That, coupled with those bikes’ growing popularity among young and inexperienced riders, necessitated stricter governance, he contended.

The 25-year-old bicycle advocacy group People for Bikes argued last month that the Garden State’s new law faces a “high potential” of running into obstacles on a federal level.

Gov. Murphy, who leaves office Tuesday after two terms in office, thanked Scutari for his efforts.

“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.

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