Electric Bike Laws In New Jersey: What You Need To Know

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are a relatively new phenomenon, and the laws surrounding them are still evolving. In New Jersey, e-bikes were previously classified as mopeds and required registration with the MVC. However, this created a legal grey area, as the MVC system was designed for gas-powered vehicles. As of 2019, a new vehicle class was added to the law, specifically for low-speed electric bicycles. This new classification has led to changes in the regulations surrounding e-bikes, including where they can be ridden and whether a license or registration is required.

E-bike classifications

In New Jersey, there are three classifications of e-bikes: class 1, class 2, and class 3. The rules for class 1 and class 2 low-speed e-bikes are similar to the laws applied to traditional bicycles. There is no license or registration required for these e-bikes at the state level, although some towns may offer registration. As per NJSA 39:4-14.16, you can ride your class 1 or class 2 e-bike on bike lanes, streets, highways, and roadways in New Jersey, except for those where all bicycle traffic is restricted by regulation.

Class 2 low-speed electric bicycles are equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour. A label with the classification number, top speed, and motor wattage must be affixed to a class 2 e-bike in a prominent place. Tampering with or modifying an e-bike’s top assisted speed is not permitted without updating the required label.

Class 3 e-bikes are characterized as motorized bicycles. As you may expect, New Jersey has distinctive policies in place to ensure the risk-free operation of these e-bikes. Under the previous regulatory framework, e-bikes were classified as motorized bicycles (mopeds) and required registration with the MVC. However, the MVC system would not allow registration because the law was written for gas-powered vehicles. That left e-bikes in a legal grey area.

As of May 14, 2019, a brand new vehicle class was added to Title 39:4-14.16: "Low-speed electric bicycle." This new vehicle is described as "a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by a motor, while operated by a person weighing 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour." The new law allows both "pedal-assist" and "throttle" bicycles.

Where you can ride

In New Jersey, you can ride class 1 and class 2 low-speed e-bikes on bike lanes, streets, highways, and roadways, except for those where all bicycle traffic is restricted by regulation. There is no license or registration required for these e-bikes at the state level, although some towns may offer registration.

Class 2 low-speed electric bicycles are equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and cannot provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour. A label with the classification number, top speed, and motor wattage must be affixed to the e-bike in a prominent place. Tampering with or modifying an e-bike’s top assisted speed is not permitted without updating the required label.

Class 3 e-bikes, on the other hand, are characterised as motorized bicycles. Under the previous regulatory framework, these e-bikes were classified as mopeds and required registration with the MVC. However, as of May 14, 2019, a new vehicle class was added to Title 39:4-14.16, specifically for "low-speed electric bicycles." This new classification includes two or three-wheeled vehicles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, with a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour when powered solely by a motor. The new law allows both "pedal-assist" and "throttle" bicycles.

Parking

Electric bikes in New Jersey can be parked in public bicycle racks or on the sidewalk, as long as they do not obstruct pedestrian movement. There is no license or registration required for e-bikes at the state level, although some towns may offer registration.

Before May 2019, e-bikes were classified as motorized bicycles (mopeds) and required registration with the MVC. However, the MVC system would not allow registration because the law was written for gas-powered vehicles, leaving e-bikes in a legal grey area. On May 14, 2019, a new vehicle class was added to Title 39:4-16, called "Low-speed electric bicycle". This new classification describes a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, with a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour when powered solely by a motor. The new law allows both "pedal-assist" and "throttle" bicycles.

Registration

Electric bikes in New Jersey do not require a license or registration at the state level. However, some towns may offer registration.

Class 1 and Class 2 low-speed e-bikes are treated similarly to traditional bicycles. These e-bikes are allowed on bike lanes, streets, highways, and roadways, except where bicycle traffic is restricted.

Class 2 low-speed electric bicycles are equipped with a motor that can be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and cannot provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour. A label with the classification number, top speed, and motor wattage must be affixed to the e-bike in a prominent place. Tampering with or modifying the top assisted speed of an e-bike requires updating this label.

Prior to May 14, 2019, e-bikes were classified as motorized bicycles (mopeds) and required registration with the MVC. However, the MVC system was designed for gas-powered vehicles, creating a legal grey area for e-bikes. On this date, a new vehicle class was added to Title 39:4-14.16, specifically for "low-speed electric bicycles." This classification includes two or three-wheeled vehicles with operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, with a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour when powered solely by the motor. The new law accommodates both "pedal-assist" and "throttle" bicycles.

Speed limits

In New Jersey, the speed limit for electric bikes is 20 miles per hour. This is the case for both class 1 and class 2 low-speed e-bikes, which are defined as "a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by a motor, while operated by a person weighing 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour".

The rules for these classes of e-bikes are similar to the laws applied to traditional bicycles. There is no license or registration required for e-bikes at the state level, although some towns may offer registration. You can ride your e-bike on bike lanes, streets, highways, and roadways in New Jersey, except for those where all bicycle traffic is restricted by regulation.

It is worth noting that tampering with or modifying an e-bike's top assisted speed is not permitted without updating the required label. A label with the classification number, top speed, and motor wattage must be affixed to an e-bike in a prominent place.

Frequently asked questions