New Jersey is cracking down on e-bike riders, requiring them to get licenses in an effort to curb crashes that have been increasing in recent months. Governor Phil Murphy signed the bill into law, bringing it one step closer to making roads safer for all users.
The new regulations classify all forms of e-bikes as motorized bicycles, which some cycling advocates say is unfair to low-speed "class 1" e-bikes that go under 20 miles per hour. These bikes, which are designed for short trips and commuting, will now be lumped together with higher-speed vehicles, making it seem like they're just as much of a safety risk.
But Governor Murphy argues that the law is necessary to address growing concerns over e-bike safety. "It's clear that we need to take action to prevent tragedies from occurring," he said in a statement. "Making our roads safer for all users has been a key priority for my administration."
Under the new law, e-bike owners and operators will be required to get licenses - either a motorized bicycle license if they're under 17 or a standard driver's license if they're over 17. They'll also need to register their bikes with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and insure them.
The restrictions don't stop there. Highways with speed limits over 50 miles per hour will be off-limits to e-bikes, and riders must obtain licenses within six months of the law taking effect or by July 19, whichever comes first.
But not everyone is happy with the new regulations. The New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition has spoken out against the bill, arguing that it unnecessarily restricts low-speed e-bikes and makes it harder for people to use them as a safe alternative to driving cars. "It creates a whole lot of problems for people unnecessarily," said Debra Kagan, executive director of the coalition. "Restricting the use of low speed e-bikes for transportation is not the solution. It gets people out of cars and should be an important part of our state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
The new regulations classify all forms of e-bikes as motorized bicycles, which some cycling advocates say is unfair to low-speed "class 1" e-bikes that go under 20 miles per hour. These bikes, which are designed for short trips and commuting, will now be lumped together with higher-speed vehicles, making it seem like they're just as much of a safety risk.
But Governor Murphy argues that the law is necessary to address growing concerns over e-bike safety. "It's clear that we need to take action to prevent tragedies from occurring," he said in a statement. "Making our roads safer for all users has been a key priority for my administration."
Under the new law, e-bike owners and operators will be required to get licenses - either a motorized bicycle license if they're under 17 or a standard driver's license if they're over 17. They'll also need to register their bikes with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and insure them.
The restrictions don't stop there. Highways with speed limits over 50 miles per hour will be off-limits to e-bikes, and riders must obtain licenses within six months of the law taking effect or by July 19, whichever comes first.
But not everyone is happy with the new regulations. The New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition has spoken out against the bill, arguing that it unnecessarily restricts low-speed e-bikes and makes it harder for people to use them as a safe alternative to driving cars. "It creates a whole lot of problems for people unnecessarily," said Debra Kagan, executive director of the coalition. "Restricting the use of low speed e-bikes for transportation is not the solution. It gets people out of cars and should be an important part of our state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
. I get that safety first and all, but come on, can't they just make it clear that low-speed e-bikes are not a menace? It's like they're gonna single out the elderly ladies who ride around town because they need some exercise 
. And what's up with the highways thing? Like, I don't wanna be stuck in traffic, but banning e-bikes altogether just seems unnecessary 
. Maybe they should focus on making those cars safer instead of regulating us cyclists 
️. It's all about finding a balance, right? Not too much freedom, not too little regulation... seems like they're taking it to the other extreme 
... those low-speed e-bikes are already super safe, you know? They're like the buses of cycling 
. Class 1 e-bikes go under 20 miles per hour, that's slower than a lot of pedestrians walking around! 
... at least the new law requires licenses and registration for all e-bikes, so we can keep track of who's on the road 
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highways with speed limits over 50 miles per hour being off-limits to e-bikes? That just seems like a hassle 
. Low-speed e-bikes should be allowed on those roads, it's not like they're gonna hurt anyone at that speed 
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they're already stuck with having to follow all these rules now they're gonna have to get licenses too? it's like, come on nj what's the harm in just letting people use them as a fun way to get around 
? and btw governor murphy is being super out of touch by lumping those bikes in with higher speed ones... 1st world problems right there 
. And now they're just lumped in with those fast-moving bikes, like it's all the same thing... no thanks! 
! I mean, I get it that safety first, but do they have to make it so complicated? Those low-speed e-bikes are literally designed for short trips and commuting, what's the point of requiring a license? It's like saying a Vespa needs a full driver's license just because it has an engine 
. Why not have designated bike lanes or safety courses instead of ruining the whole e-bike scene? 
This is just going to drive all the cool kids out of buying e-bikes and into cars...
. Those low-speed "class 1" bikes are designed for short trips and commuting - they're super safe! 
. By lumping them together with higher-speed vehicles, it's like saying they're just as much of a safety risk 
. I hope there are some compromises to be made before this law goes into effect 
Restricting low-speed e-bikes doesn't seem like the most logical solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions... 
While Governor Murphy's intention to improve road safety is understandable, it's concerning that the solution may inadvertently limit access to a safer alternative to driving cars. 
Ultimately, finding a balance between safety and accessibility will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of this new law. 
. And what's with the highway ban? I mean, I've seen some crazy stuff on the NJ Turnpike but at least I knew which lane to stay out of 
. It's all about making roads "safer" for everyone, right? Not just for the people who are actually driving cars 
. And what's wrong with low-speed e-bikes being lumped in with regular bikes? It sounds like they're trying to make a point that e-bikes aren't as safe as they claim... or maybe it's just easier to regulate them out of existence 
and it's not like they're going to solve the safety issues anyway 
and what's with the highway restrictions? it's not like e-bikes are gonna be speeding down there anyway