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New JerseyS4834220th Legislature (2024-2025)SenateWALLET

Regulates certain electric bicycles.*

Sponsored By: Linda S. Carter (Democratic), James J. Kennedy (Democratic), Paul D. Moriarty (Democratic), Nicholas P. Scutari (Democratic), Sterley S. Stanley (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.

Injured bike riders gain insurance coverage

Beginning January 1, 2027, bicycle and low-speed electric bicycle riders count as pedestrians under New Jersey's automobile insurance law. Riders injured or killed in an accident are covered under their pedestrian personal injury coverage. The law does not set a coverage amount.

Age and license limits for riders

Beginning January 19, 2026, riders under 15 cannot operate low-speed electric bicycles or motorized bicycles. Ages 15–16 need a motorized bicycle license or permit; ages 17 and older can also use a valid basic driver's license. Getting a motorized bicycle license requires proof of identity and age, a knowledge test, and a riding test. A learner's permit allows up to 45 days of daylight riding without supervision. Shared low-speed electric bike renters are exempt from licensing when the company has a local-government contract and requires renters to be at least 16.

Bike riders get temporary compliance relief

For one year beginning January 19, 2026, the Motor Vehicle Commission waives covered examination, registration, and licensing fees. The waiver covers low-speed electric bicycles and motorized bicycles. People newly subject to requirements have six months after January 19, 2026, to comply. That grace period covers motorized bicycle insurance, registration for either bike type, and operating licenses where required.

Shared-bike companies get simpler registration option

Beginning January 19, 2026, shared low-speed electric bike companies with local-government contracts have an alternative to registering each bike. They can instead report each company-owned bike's serial number or other identifying number to the Motor Vehicle Commission quarterly.

Online sales ban for powerful electric bikes

For one year beginning January 19, 2026, sellers cannot sell or offer electric motorized bicycles online. This covers two-wheeled bikes with working pedals, motors over 750 watts, and speeds above 28 mph. The ban does not cover every electric bicycle.

Bike owners face new registration rules

Beginning January 19, 2026, owners must register low-speed electric bicycles and motorized bicycles used on public roads or public land. Owners must be at least 15, submit a proper application, and pay the fee unless waived. Registration expires on the last day of the 11th calendar month after the month of issue. The Motor Vehicle Commission may accept an ownership affidavit for a bike bought before January 19, 2026, that previously needed no registration, when formal proof is unavailable; it must describe the purchase and include available supporting records. Knowingly submitting false ownership records is a fourth-degree crime. Registration forms must be available at commission offices, on its website, and from sellers of low-speed electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, and electric motorized bicycles.

Different legal rules for electric bikes

New Jersey separates electric bikes into legal groups based on their motors, speed, and pedal use. Low-speed electric bicycles have two wheels and working pedals; motor help works only while pedaling and stops at 20 mph. They are excluded from the definitions of motorized bicycle, motorcycle, motor vehicle, and vehicle. Certain other pedal bikes qualify as motorized bicycles, including electric models meeting the listed criteria with motor-powered speeds no higher than 28 mph on flat ground. Two-wheeled bikes with working pedals, motors over 750 watts, and speeds above 28 mph are electric motorized bicycles, included in the motorcycle definition.

Riding access rules for bikes and scooters

Beginning January 19, 2026, low-speed electric bicycles and scooters can use streets, highways, roads, and bicycle paths. Local governments and state agencies can ban them from paths they control; natural-surface, non-motorized trails require the responsible agency's permission. Sidewalk parking is allowed only when it does not block pedestrians or other traffic. Bicycle laws also apply unless a rule does not fit the device or a specific exception applies. Low-speed electric scooter operators do not need registration or a driver's license.

Bike labels improve, but modifications face limits

Manufacturers and distributors must attach a permanent, prominent label to each low-speed electric bicycle. It must show the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage in Arial type at least 9 points tall. Beginning January 19, 2026, riders need a reflector for use from dusk to dawn. People cannot modify these bikes to change their motor-powered speed capability or how the motor engages. Sellers cannot offer kits designed to turn them into motorized bicycles or electric motorized bicycles.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Linda S. Carter

    Democratic • House

  • James J. Kennedy

    Democratic • House

  • Paul D. Moriarty

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nicholas P. Scutari

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sterley S. Stanley

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 107 • No: 30

House vote • 1/12/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 52 • No: 10 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 1/12/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 28 • No: 9

Senate vote • 1/12/2026

CONCUR ASMB AMEND

Yes: 27 • No: 11

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor — P.L.2025, c.285.

    1/19/2026Governor

  2. Passed Senate, PBH — (27-11)

    1/12/2026Senate

  3. Received in Senate, 2RSC

    1/12/2026Senate

  4. Passed Assembly — (52-10-1)

    1/12/2026House

  5. Substituted for A6235 (ACS)

    1/12/2026House

  6. AA, 2nd Reading in Assembly — (Kennedy)

    1/12/2026House

  7. Received in Assembly, Without Reference, 2nd Reading in Assembly

    1/12/2026House

  8. Passed Senate — (28-9)

    1/12/2026Senate

  9. SS, 2nd Reading in Senate — (Voice) (Ruiz)

    12/22/2025Senate

  10. Reported, 2nd Reading in Senate

    12/8/2025Senate

  11. Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee

    12/4/2025Senate

  12. REP/SCA, 2nd Reading in Senate

    12/4/2025Senate

  13. Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee

    11/6/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Version PL2025

    6/4/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Version AL2025

    5/21/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly 1/12/26 1R SS

    1/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly 1/12/26 SS

    1/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate 12/22/25 SS

    1/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • 1/8/26; SS

    1/8/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Budget and Appropriations Substitute (12/8/25 1R)

    12/9/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Transportation (12/4/25 1R)

    12/5/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Transportation Substitute (12/4/25)

    12/5/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • As Introduced

    11/7/2025

    HTMLPDF

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