A5542

An Act exempting certain individuals from certain low-speed electric bicycle and motorized bicycle requirements and amending various parts of the statutory law.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. Section 2 of P.L.2019, c.121 (C.39:4-14.16) is amended to read as follows:

2. a. A low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter, as those terms are defined in R.S.39:1-1, may be operated on the streets, highways, roadways, and bicycle paths of this State, except as otherwise provided in this section, section 2 of P.L.1975, c.250 (C.39:4-14.3), section 9 of P.L.1983, c.105 (C.39:4-14.3i), and P.L.2025, c.285 (C.39:6A-4.8 et al.), and may be parked on a sidewalk provided that the low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter does not impede the normal movement of pedestrian or other traffic upon the sidewalk.

b. On and after January 1, 2019, manufacturers and distributors of low-speed electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each low-speed electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the low-speed electric bicycle and shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9-point type.

c. A person shall not tamper with or modify a low-speed electric bicycle so as to change the motor-powered speed capability or engagement of a low-speed electric bicycle.

d. A low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter may be operated on bicycle paths, except that a local government entity or State agency may prohibit the operation of low-speed electric bicycles or low-speed electric scooters on bicycle paths under its jurisdiction.

e. Unless permitted by a local government entity or State agency with jurisdiction, a low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter shall not be operated on a trail designated for non-motorized traffic if such trail has a natural surface tread made by clearing and grading the soil and no surfacing materials have been added.

f. (1) [The operator] An owner of a low-speed electric scooter shall not be required to register the low-speed electric scooter [or] and a person shall not be required to have a driver's license to operate a low-speed electric scooter.

(2) [The operator] (a) An owner of a low-speed electric bicycle shall be required to register the low-speed electric bicycle in accordance with subsection b. of section 9 of P.L.1983, c.105 (C.39:4-14.3i) unless the owner:

(i) is 62 years of age or older;

(ii) is a person with a disability, as that term is defined in section 1 of P.L.1949, c.280 (C.39:4-204);

(iii) uses the low-speed electric bicycle for work purposes or for commuting to and from work; or

(iv) has an income below a threshold determined by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, taking into account the applicable income limits established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(b) A person shall not operate a low-speed electric bicycle unless the low-speed electric bicycle is registered in accordance with subparagraph (a) of this paragraph and [have] the person has a driver’s license to operate the low-speed electric bicycle pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1975, c.250 (C.39:4-14.3).

g. Except as otherwise provided by this section, section 2 of P.L.1975, c.250 (C.39:4-14.3), section 9 of P.L.1983, c.105 (C.39:4-14.3i), and P.L.2025, c.285 (C.39:6A-4.8 et al.), all statutes, including the provisions of chapter 4 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes, rules, and regulations applicable to bicycles, as defined in section 1 of P.L.1991, c.465 (C.39:4-10.1), shall apply to low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters, except those provisions which, by their very nature [may] , have no application to low-speed electric bicycles or low-speed electric scooters.

h. A low-speed electric scooter shall be considered a motor vehicle to the extent required by 23 U.S.C. s.154.

i. No person shall operate a low-speed electric bicycle from dusk to dawn without a reflector installed on the low-speed electric bicycle.

j. No person shall sell, or offer for sale, modification kits designed to turn a low-speed electric bicycle into a motorized bicycle or an electric motorized bicycle.

(cf: P.L.2025, c.285, s.3)

2. Section 2 of P.L.1975, c.250 (C.39:4-14.3) is amended to read as follows:

2. a. Motorized bicycles shall not be operated upon interstate highways or upon public highways divided by a grass or concrete median or highways with posted speed limits in excess of 50 miles per hour or upon the railroad or right-of-way of an operating railroad within the State of New Jersey or upon any public land where expressly prohibited by the governing body, department, or agency having jurisdiction thereof.

The commissioner is authorized to adopt regulations either prohibiting the operation of motorized bicycles on any public road or highway with a speed limit in excess of 40 miles per hour, which, in the commissioner’s discretion, are hazardous for the operation of motorized bicycles or permitting the operation of motorized bicycles on any public road or highway, upon which the operation of motorized bicycles is otherwise prohibited by the provisions of this section, which, in the commissioner’s discretion, are safe for the operation of motorized bicycles. In no case, however, shall the commissioner adopt a regulation permitting motorized bicycles to be operated on any highway with a posted speed in excess of 50 miles per hour.

b. No municipality shall limit or otherwise restrict the operation of motorized bicycles on any public roads or highways under its jurisdiction in contravention of the provisions of this act or any regulations adopted by the director pursuant thereto.

c. (1) No person who is under 15 years of age shall be permitted to operate a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle.

(2) No person who is 17 years of age or older shall be permitted to operate a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle, unless the person shall be in possession of a valid basic driver’s license or a valid motorized bicycle license or permit.

(3) No person who is 15 years of age or older but under the age of 17 shall be permitted to operate a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle, unless the person shall be in possession of a valid motorized bicycle license or permit issued pursuant to subsection d. of this section.

(4) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the operator of a low-speed electric bicycle shall not be required to be in possession of a valid basic driver’s license or valid motorized bicycle license or permit if the operator is renting a low-speed electric bicycle from a company operating shared low-speed electric bicycles under a contract with a local government, provided that the company requires the operator to be 16 years of age or older.

d. No person shall operate a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle unless the person shall be in possession of a valid driver's license of any class or a motorized bicycle license, which motorized bicycle license shall be issued by the commission to any person who is 15 years of age or older upon proof of identity and date of birth and after the person has passed a satisfactory examination as to the person’s ability as an operator. Such examination shall include a test of the applicant's knowledge of the mechanisms of low-speed electric bicycles and motorized bicycles as is necessary to ensure the safe operation and of the laws and ordinary usages of the road and a demonstration of the person’s ability to operate a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle.

The demonstration of an applicant's ability to operate a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle shall be administered at such municipalities that the commission shall designate, under the supervision of the commission, or an officer, employee, or authorized agent of the commission, in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the commission.

The chief administrator may, in the chief administrator’s discretion, issue a learner's permit to a person 15 years of age or older, upon proof of identity and date of birth, allowing such person, for the purpose of fitting the person to become licensed to operate a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle, to operate a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle during daylight hours without supervision for a period not to exceed 45 days. The permit shall be sufficient license for the person to operate a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle. No permit shall be issued unless the person applying therefor shall pay the sum of $5 to the commission or an officer, employee, or agent of the commission.

e. The operator’s valid driver's license, [the] valid motorized bicycle license or permit issued pursuant to subsection d. of this section, an insurance identification card, and [the] a registration certificate shall be in the possession of the operator at all times when operating a motorized bicycle [or] and the operator’s valid driver’s license, valid motorized bicycle license or permit issued pursuant to subsection d. of this section, and registration certificate shall be in possession of the operator at all times when operating a low-speed electric bicycle with the motor engaged on the highways of this State. The operator of a low-speed electric bicycle and motorized bicycle shall exhibit the operator’s driver's license when requested to do so by any police officer or magistrate, while in the performance of the duties of such office and shall write the operator’s name in the presence of the officer, so that the officer may thereby determine the identity of the licensee and at the same time determine the correctness of the registration certificate, as it relates to the registration number and number plates of the low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle for which it was issued and the correctness of the evidence of a policy of insurance, as it relates to the coverage of the motorized bicycle for which it was issued. Any person violating this subsection shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $50.

If a person charged with a violation of this subsection can exhibit the person’s valid driver's license, [insurance identification card,] and registration certificate, [which] and, if the person charged with a violation of this subsection was operating a motorized bicycle at the time the person was charged, an insurance identification card, that were valid on the day [he] the person was charged, to the judge of the municipal court before whom [he] the person is summoned to answer to the charge, the judge may dismiss the charge; however, the judge may impose court costs.

f. Unless otherwise determined by the commissioner, statutes, rules, and regulations applicable to bicycles shall apply whenever a motorized bicycle is operated upon any highway or upon any public land.

Every person operating a motorized bicycle upon a public road or highway shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by chapter 4 of Title 39 and N.J.S.2C:11-5 and all amendments and supplements thereto.

g. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section to the contrary, a person shall not be required to possess:

(1) a registration certificate to operate a low-speed electric bicycle if the person or the owner of the low-speed electric bicycle is exempt from the registration requirement pursuant to subparagraph (a) of paragraph (2) of subsection f. of section 2 of P.L.2019, c.121 (C.39:4-14.16); or

(2) a registration certificate or an insurance identification card to operate a motorized bicycle if the person or the owner of the motorized bicycle is exempt from the registration requirement pursuant to subsection a. of section 9 of P.L.1983, c.105 (C.39:4-14.3i) and the insurance requirement pursuant to subsection b. of section 7 of P.L.1977, c.267 (C.39:4-14.3e).

(cf: P.L.2025, c.285, s.5)

3. Section 7 of P.L.1977, c.267 (C.39:4-14.3e) is amended to read as follows:

a. Every owner of a motorized bicycle principally garaged or operated in this State and every person in the business of renting motorized bicycles shall maintain liability insurance coverage, under provisions approved by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, insuring against loss resulting from liability imposed by law for bodily injury, death and property damage sustained by any person arising out of the ownership, operation or use of a motorized bicycle.

The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, in consultation with the [Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles] Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Commission of Motor Vehicles, shall by regulation fix the amounts and limits of coverage of, and requirements for, such insurance.

b. An owner of a motorized bicycle shall not be required to maintain the liability insurance coverage required by subsection a. of this section if the owner:

(1) is 62 years of age or older;

(2) is a person with a disability, as that term is defined in section 1 of P.L.1949, c.280 (C.39:4-204);

(3) uses the motorized bicycle for work purposes or for commuting to and from work; or

(4) has an income below a threshold determined by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, taking into account the applicable income limits established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(cf: P.L.1977, c.267, s.7)

4. Section 9 of P.L.1983, c.105 (C.39:4-14.3i) is amended to read as follows:

a. In addition to the requirements of section 2 of P.L.1975, c.250 [(C.39:4-14.3) ,] (C.39:4-14.3), P.L.1977, c.267 (C.39:4-14.3a et seq.), and section 2 of P.L.2019, c.121 (C.39:4-14.16), [no] a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle, as those terms are defined by [R.S. 39:1-1] R.S.39:1-1, that has not been registered by the owner thereof as provided by this act and P.L.2025, c.285 (C.39:6A-4.8 et al.) shall not be operated on the public highways or on public lands of this State unless registered by the owner thereof as provided by this act and P.L.2025, c.285 (C.39:6A-4.8 et al.). However, the provisions of this section shall not apply to an owner of the low-speed electric bicycle who is exempt from the registration requirement pursuant to subparagraph (a) of paragraph (2) of subsection f. of section 2 of P.L.2019, c.121 (C.39:4-14.16) or to an owner of the motorized bicycle who:

(1) is 62 years of age or older;

(2) is a person with a disability, as that term is defined in section 1 of P.L.1949, c.280 (C.39:4-204);

(3) uses the motorized bicycle for work purposes or for commuting to and from work; or

b. The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is authorized to grant a registration to the owner of a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle who is at least 15 years of age, provided that the application for registration has been properly made, the registration fee has been paid, and the motorized bicycle is of a type approved by the chief administrator.

The form and contents of the registration certificate shall be prescribed by the chief administrator. The chief administrator shall maintain a record of all registration certificates issued and their contents.

The registration shall expire and the registration certificate shall become void on the last day of the 11th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was issued, except that the chief administrator may suspend or revoke a registration for any violation of this act or any of the rules promulgated hereunder.

The chief administrator shall issue registration certificates for the following registration period, on and after the first day of the calendar month immediately preceding the commencement of the registration period, the registration certificates to be effective immediately.

Application forms for all renewals of registrations for low-speed electric bicycles and motorized bicycles shall be mailed by the chief administrator from the [division] commission to the last address of the owner of [a motorized] such bicycle as it appears on the records of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

(cf: P.L.2025, c.285, s.6)

5. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This bill exempts certain individuals from certain low-speed electric bicycle and motorized bicycle operating requirements.

Current State law requires an owner of a low-speed electric bicycle to register the low-speed electric bicycle and an owner of a motorized bicycle to register the motorized bicycle and maintain liability insurance coverage for the motorized bicycle (collectively, “e-bike requirements”). In addition, under current law, a person is required to possess a registration certificate to operate a low-speed electric bicycle and a registration certificate and insurance card to operate a motorized bicycle (collectively, “possession requirements”).

Under the bill, a person is exempt from the e-bike requirements if the person: (1) is 62 years of age or older; (2) is a person with a disability; (3) uses the low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle for work purposes or for commuting to and from work; or (4) has an income below a certain threshold, as determined by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, taking into account applicable income limits established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The bill also amends current law to exempt a person from the possession requirements if the person or owner of the low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle is exempt from the e-bike requirements, as applicable.