Beatrice Lang
Electric scooters are an increasingly popular mode of transportation in cities across the United States, and New Jersey is no exception. As of May 13, 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law clarifying the rules for low-speed electric bikes and scooters, allowing their operation on streets, highways, and bicycle paths. This legislation aims to reduce car usage and promote sustainable, environmentally-friendly transportation options for New Jersey commuters. With this new law, electric scooters are now legal in New Jersey, but what are the specific regulations surrounding their use?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| License requirement | No license required, but riders must be 18 or older |
| Registration requirement | No registration required |
| Speed limit | Maximum speed of less than 19 miles per hour |
| Allowed on streets, highways, and bicycle paths | Yes |
| Allowed on trails designated for non-motorized traffic | No, unless permitted by a local government entity or State agency |
| Allowed on sidewalks | Yes, as long as they do not obstruct pedestrian traffic |
| Allowed on public transportation | Yes, on NJ Transit vehicles, including rail, light rail, and buses |
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What You'll Learn
No license or registration is required to ride an e-scooter in New Jersey
Electric scooters, or e-scooters, have become increasingly popular in cities across the United States, and New Jersey has joined other states in legalising their use. As of May 13, 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law permitting the operation of low-speed e-scooters in the state. This legislation is aimed at reducing car usage and encouraging the use of sharing platforms, helping to cut emissions and congestion in New Jersey's cities.
E-scooters may be parked on sidewalks, but they must not block pedestrian access or impede the normal movement of pedestrians or other traffic. Similar to bicycles, e-scooters are allowed to use NJ Transit vehicles, including rail, light rail, and buses. Folding personal devices are always permitted, while non-folding devices may be subject to restrictions depending on the train line and time of day.
It is important to note that riders of e-scooters must comply with all the laws that apply to vehicles, such as obeying traffic signals and following the direction of traffic. While a license and registration are not required, riders should familiarise themselves with local laws and ordinances to avoid tickets and potential confiscations.
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Riders must be 18 or older
Electric scooters have become increasingly popular in cities across the United States, and New Jersey has joined other states in legalising their use. Governor Phil Murphy signed the law permitting the operation of low-speed electric scooters and e-bikes in May 2019.
While the use of electric scooters is now permitted in New Jersey, there are a number of rules and restrictions in place. One of the most important requirements is that riders must be 18 or older. This is a key distinction from the rules and requirements for operating other types of motor vehicles in the state.
The law defines "low-speed electric scooters" as scooters with a floorboard, handlebars, and an electric motor capable of propelling the scooter with or without human propulsion at a maximum speed of less than 19 miles per hour. These scooters are not considered motorcycles and are therefore exempt from the requirement for riders to hold a motorcycle endorsement or license.
However, despite the more relaxed requirements for operating electric scooters, riders must still comply with all the laws that apply to vehicles. This includes obeying traffic signals and following the direction of traffic. Electric scooters must follow all the laws that apply to bicycles, and can be ridden on bike lanes, streets, highways, and roadways, except where bicycle traffic is restricted.
In terms of parking, electric scooters can be parked on sidewalks, as long as they do not obstruct pedestrian movement. Towns and cities may have their own specific laws governing the operation of electric scooters on sidewalks or pedestrian walkways, so riders should be aware of any local variations.
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E-scooters can be parked on sidewalks, but not blocking pedestrian access
In New Jersey, e-scooters are classified as "low-speed electric scooters", which are defined as scooters with a floorboard, handlebars, and an electric motor that can propel the device with or without human propulsion at a maximum speed of less than 19 miles per hour.
E-scooters can be parked on sidewalks in a similar manner to e-bikes, as long as they do not block pedestrian access or impede the normal movement of pedestrians or other traffic on the sidewalk. This means that e-scooter riders can utilise parking spots on sidewalks that do not hinder pedestrian traffic flow. This rule is in place to ensure that pedestrians can continue to safely and easily navigate sidewalks, maintaining unimpeded access to walkways.
The ability to park e-scooters on sidewalks provides riders with convenient parking options while also ensuring that e-scooters do not obstruct pedestrian pathways. This balance between accommodating e-scooters and prioritising pedestrian access is a key consideration in New Jersey's efforts to integrate e-scooters into the state's transportation system.
It is important to note that while e-scooters can be parked on sidewalks, the use of e-scooters on sidewalks and trails is often left to local municipalities to regulate. Towns and cities may have their own laws governing the operation of e-scooters on sidewalks, so it is essential to be aware of any local ordinances or regulations that may apply in your specific location within New Jersey. These local laws may further delineate the specifics of how and where e-scooters can be parked on sidewalks, ensuring compliance with both state and local regulations.
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E-scooters can be taken on NJ Transit vehicles
In New Jersey, e-scooters are classified as "low-speed electric scooters" and are legal to use. They are defined as scooters with a floorboard for the operator to stand on, handlebars, and an electric motor that can propel the scooter with or without human propulsion at a maximum speed of under 19 miles per hour.
E-scooter riders in New Jersey do not need a license, but they must be 18 or older, and they must comply with all the laws that apply to vehicles, such as obeying traffic signals and following the direction of traffic. E-scooters may be parked on sidewalks, as long as they do not block pedestrian access.
When it comes to public transportation, NJ Transit allows passengers to bring e-scooters on board their vehicles, including rail, light rail, and buses. Folding personal devices, such as folding e-scooters, are always permitted on all NJ Transit services. Non-folding e-scooters are also permitted on NJ Transit buses, where they can be stored in bicycle racks at the front of the bus or in underfloor luggage compartments on a first-come, first-served basis. However, charging e-scooters on board NJ Transit vehicles is prohibited.
By allowing e-scooters on board, NJ Transit encourages the use of low-speed micromobility devices, promoting alternatives to automobiles. This aligns with New Jersey's efforts to become a more sustainable and environmentally conscious state by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and roadway congestion.
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E-scooters are treated like bicycles and must follow the same laws
Electric scooters, or e-scooters, were officially legalized in New Jersey in May 2019. This law was signed by Governor Phil Murphy, who sought to encourage the use of sharing platforms for e-scooters and e-bikes as an alternative to car trips.
E-scooters are considered "low-speed electric scooters", which are defined by law as having "a floorboard that can be stood upon by the operator, with handlebars, and an electric motor that is capable of propelling the device, with or without human propulsion, at a maximum speed of less than 19 miles per hour".
There is no license or registration requirement for e-scooters, however, riders must be 18 or older.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a license to ride an electric scooter in New Jersey. However, riders must be 18 or older.
Electric scooters can be ridden on bicycle paths, streets, highways, and roadways in New Jersey. They are not allowed on trails designated for non-motorized traffic.
You can park your electric scooter on the sidewalk as long as it does not block pedestrian access.
No, you do not need insurance for your electric scooter in New Jersey.
Yes, electric scooters in New Jersey are considered low-speed if they are capable of traveling at a maximum speed of less than 19 miles per hour or 20 miles per hour.
