New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday approved legislation that imposes new licensing requirements on people who ride e-bikes across the state, marking a significant shift in how the increasingly popular vehicles are regulated.
The measure comes as e-bike use continues to rise sharply, with state officials citing mounting safety concerns, particularly involving children and teenagers who have been injured while riding them.
Under the statute, every category of e-bike — including models that function with pedals but also include an electric motor — is now legally defined as a motorized bicycle. As a result, riders must obtain a license issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
According to information published by the NJ MVC, applicants for a motorized bicycle license must be at least 15 years old, present six points of identification, successfully complete written and vision exams, and pass a road test after holding a permit for a minimum of 20 days.
State residents who already possess a standard New Jersey driver’s license are exempt from obtaining a separate motorized bicycle license in order to operate an e-bike, the commission’s website notes.
The law also mandates that e-bikes be properly registered and covered by insurance before they can be legally used.
“It is clear that we are in an age of increasing e-bike use that requires us to take action and update regulations that help prevent tragedies from occurring,” Murphy said. “Making our roads safer for all users has been a key priority for my Administration. I’d like to thank Senate President Scutari for taking the initiative to improve the safe use of e-bikes in New Jersey.”
{Matzav.com}
When will Phil Murphy finally leave us all alone?! I thought there were elections and Mikie Sherrill is the new Governor?
It’s Murphy’s Laws that anything that can go wrong will go wrong — hence, still sticking around and giving advice.
All 50 states.
its great they should do it with electric scooters next. and bring it to new york