E-bikes are everywhere on New Jersey roads, and the rules that govern them are less understood than the rules for cars. Whether you need a license, whether you can ride on the sidewalk, and, critically, whose insurance pays if a car hits you all depend on which class of e-bike you are on.
The law: P.L. 2019, c.72
New Jersey’s e-bike statute, enacted in 2019, amended the definitions in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1 to create two categories of electric bicycle and one category of electric scooter, and to treat the lower-speed ones as ordinary bicycles.
Low-speed electric bicycles (Class 1 and Class 2)
A “low-speed electric bicycle” has operable pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less, and its motor stops assisting at 20 mph. Class 1 assists only while pedaling; Class 2 has a throttle. Both are treated as bicycles under New Jersey law:
- No driver’s license, registration, or insurance required
- May be ridden anywhere bicycles are permitted, including bike lanes and shared-use paths (subject to local rules)
- Riders under 17 must wear a helmet under N.J.S.A. 39:4-10.1
- Subject to all bicycle traffic rules: ride with traffic, obey signals, lights at night
Motorized bicycles (Class 3)
An e-bike that assists above 20 mph (up to 28 mph) falls under New Jersey’s older “motorized bicycle” definition and is treated as a motor vehicle:
- Requires a driver’s license (any class) or motorized bicycle license
- Requires registration and liability insurance
- Requires a helmet for all riders
- Prohibited on sidewalks and most bike paths; must ride on the roadway
- Rider must be at least 15
Anything faster
A bike with a motor over 750 watts or assist above 28 mph is a motorcycle or moped, with full licensing and registration requirements. Many “e-bikes” sold online exceed these limits and are not legal to ride on New Jersey roads as e-bikes.
Where you can ride
State law sets the floor; municipalities set the rest. Many New Jersey towns prohibit e-bikes on sidewalks, boardwalks, or certain parks by ordinance. Check local rules before riding on anything other than a road or bike lane. On the road, e-bikes have the same rights and duties as bicycles under N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.1: ride as far right as practicable, signal turns, and obey all traffic signals.
What happens if a car hits you
This is where the class matters most, and where the law is unsettled.
Your medical bills
Under New Jersey’s no-fault system, a “pedestrian” struck by a car gets PIP medical coverage from their own auto policy, a household member’s policy, or the striking vehicle’s policy. The No-Fault Act defines a pedestrian as anyone not occupying a vehicle “propelled by other than muscular power.” A conventional cyclist is clearly a pedestrian. A Class 3 motorized bicycle rider is clearly not. Class 1 and 2 riders sit in a gray area: the 2019 law treats them as bicycles, but the No-Fault Act’s definition was not amended to match, and carriers have denied PIP on that basis. Expect a fight, and get a lawyer involved early. Our post on New Jersey PIP coverage explains what is at stake.
Your injury claim
Your claim against the driver is an ordinary negligence claim. If you have an auto policy with the Limitation on Lawsuit option, the verbal threshold applies to you even on an e-bike. Comparative fault under the 51% rule will be argued: no lights, no helmet (for under-17s), riding on the sidewalk, or an illegal Class 3 bike are all fault arguments.
If the driver is uninsured or fled
Your own UM/UIM coverage applies to you as a pedestrian or cyclist. Report a hit-and-run to police immediately; see hit-and-run accidents in New Jersey.
How Ibrahim Personal Injury Law handles e-bike crashes
We establish the bike’s class from the manufacturer specifications, fight the PIP classification when a carrier denies coverage, and pursue the driver’s liability and your UM/UIM coverage. Free consultation, contingency fee. Call (844) 315-4878 or contact us online.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license for an e-bike in NJ?
Not for a Class 1 or 2 e-bike (20 mph assist cap). Yes for a Class 3 motorized bicycle (up to 28 mph).
Can you ride an e-bike on the sidewalk in New Jersey?
State law does not permit motorized bicycles on sidewalks, and most municipalities prohibit all e-bikes there by ordinance. Check local rules.
Is there an age limit for e-bikes in NJ?
No state minimum age for Class 1 and 2. Class 3 motorized bicycles require the rider to be 15 or older and licensed.
Do e-bike riders need insurance?
Not for Class 1 and 2. Class 3 requires liability insurance.
