Gloucester Township Police Traffic Safety Bulletin: New Jersey Electric Bicycle Laws
New Jersey has just passed major new e-bike laws, signed by Governor Phil Murphy on January 19, 2026 — his last full day in office. These changes represent the first overhaul of e-bike regulations in six years and are considered among the strictest in the United States.
- Key Changes in the New E-Bike Laws (does NOT include E-Scooters at this time)
1. All e-bikes are now treated as motorized bicycles
The old three-tier classification system - Class 1, 2, 3 - has been eliminated; all e-bikes fall under one category requiring regulation.
2. Riders must be licensed
Riders 17 and older with a valid driver’s license can operate e-bikes without a separate endorsement.
Riders 15 to 16 without a normal driver’s license must obtain a motorized bicycle license from the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
Children 14 and younger are prohibited from operating e-bikes.
3. Registration and insurance are required
All e-bike owners must register their e-bikes with the state and carry insurance. Fees are waived for the first year of implementation, with an $8 annual registration fee expected after 2026.
4. Safety and road sharing rules
Motorists must use due caution around e-bikes — slowing, leaving space, or changing lanes when safe.
5. Enforcement & penalties
There’s a grace period where riders have six months to comply with the new licensing, registration, and insurance requirements. After that, violations can result in fines (reported around $50 per offense).
6. Sale restrictions
Online sales of e-bikes to New Jersey residents may be restricted for one year under this law, and certain high-powered conversion kits are banned.
- When It Takes Effect
The law was signed on January 19, 2026.
There is a grace period about six months for riders to obtain licenses, register, and insure their e-bikes before enforcement begins.
- Why the Change?
Lawmakers cited a rise in e-bike usage and crashes — including serious and fatal accidents — across the state as the main reason for tightening regulations and treating e-bikes more like motorized vehicles for safety purposes.
https://gtpolice.com/resource-page/355
