E-Bikes have been in the crosshairs of law makers the past few years. And as the popularity of e-bikes rises, so does the demand from Karens *AHEM* from their constituents to “do something” about the kids constantly riding wheelies down their quiet suburban streets.
Well the day has finally come, New Jersey is the first to introduce such strict laws, and it’s leaving the E-Bike community worried for what the future may hold for regulation.
What changed on January 19, 2026?
Governor Phil Murphy signed S4834/A6235 into law, updating regulation, licensing, classification, and training requirements for e-bikes statewide. The law expands the types of bicycles regulated as “motorized bicycles” to cover all forms of e-bikes (pedal-assist and throttle), and says owners/operators must obtain licenses, registration, and insurance; riders must be 17+ with a driver’s license or 15+ with a motorized-bicycle license.
How New Jersey now classifies e-bikes
Advocacy summaries of the bill describe three buckets:
- Low-Speed Electric Bicycle (generally aligns to former Class 1: pedal-assist up to 20 mph; no throttle).
- Motorized Bicycle (throttle-equipped devices grouped with mopeds; assist up to roughly 28 mph).
- Electric Motorized Bicycle (e-moto style machines that can exceed 28 mph; treated like motorcycles).
What you need to legally ride in NJ
- License
- 17+: any driver’s license works.
- 15–16: need a motorized-bicycle license (permit, tests, then license).
- Registration
- Required for e-bikes covered under the “motorized bicycle” umbrella. The MVC is tasked with the process.
- Insurance
- Required; advocacy groups note the expectation that Class 2/3-type devices will need liability insurance. (Expect motorcycle-style policies.)
- Documents on you
- The bill text includes an up-to-$50 fine in certain “no-proof-on-person” scenarios (e.g., failing to exhibit a registration certificate).
- Age
- Under 15: not permitted to operate e-bikes in public.
- Helmet
- DOT-approved helmets are referenced alongside training and safety updates. (Expect enforcement guidance from MVC.)
Online Sales of E-Motos Banned
The law includes a targeted online sales ban: for one year after enactment, New Jersey bans internet sales of “electric motorized bicycles”—basically the e-moto bikes with pedals that exceed 28 mph and often boast >750W power (think “dirt-bike-with-pedals” that gets marketed as an e-bike). The goal is to curb misleading sales and keep high-speed machines off public roads without proper regulation.
Is there a grace period?
Regional advocacy groups report an approx. six-month grace period (through July 2026) for riders to secure license, registration, and—where applicable—insurance. Separately, the bill text contains a one-year waiver of some fees related to reclassified bikes. Expect the MVC to clarify exact timelines and procedures.
Why New Jersey says it did this
State leaders cited increases in crashes and a need to modernize rules for faster, heavier devices mixing with traffic and pedestrians. The statute also directs drivers to use due caution around e-bikes (slow down, leave distance, change lanes when passing).
What critics say:
I argue the law conflates safe, low-speed e-bikes with e-motos, adds costs and friction (licenses, registration, insurance) to low income riders who rely on their bikes, and may not address the highest-risk vehicles. The classification names are confusing, and mixing e-motos with ordinary e-bikes is a recipe for confusion.
Not only that, but how does handing the government money help keep cyclists safe? Sure there are costs associated with personnel and facilities to enforce these regulations, but this largely is a self licking ice cream cone; Bureaucracy that sustains it self.
Sources:
NJ Legislature – Bill Text (S4834): definitions, age/licensing details, and one-year fee waiver for some reclassified bikes.
PeopleForBikes (Jan 21, 2026): plain-English summary of new categories; registration & license for all e-bikes; insurance expectations; targeted online sales ban for “electric motorized bicycles.”
Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (Jan 22, 2026): FAQ on classifications, six-month grace period, insurance examples, and the one-year internet sales ban language.
PeopleForBikes (Dec 15, 2025): backgrounder on the bill and potential federal preemption issues.
