New Jersey bill would drop license rules for slower e-bikes
A new bill in New Jersey would drop license and registration rules for slower e-bikes, Electrek and New Jersey 101.5 reported. The state's strict e-bike law took full effect only in July. Bike shops say it has hurt sales, and a dealers group says about three dozen shops have closed.
New Jersey lawmakers are moving to roll back parts of the state's strict new e-bike law, according to Electrek and New Jersey 101.5. The law took full effect in July.
State Senator Raj Mukherji, a Democrat, introduced the bill, S4830, on October 15, New Jersey 101.5 reported. It would cover Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes with motors rated at 750 watts or less and a top motor speed of 20 mph, Electrek and New Jersey 101.5 reported.
Those bikes would no longer need registration or a licensed rider, New Jersey 101.5 said. Faster Class 3 bikes would still need a license, registration and insurance. Electrek said the plan would treat the slower bikes much like regular bicycles again, including models with a throttle.
The bill still has a long way to go, New Jersey 101.5 reported. It must clear a Senate committee, pass both chambers and be signed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
Former Gov. Phil Murphy signed the current law in January after several crashes involving young riders, Electrek reported. It ended the state's old three-class system and required licenses and registration for all e-bikes, Electrek said.
The pushback was fast. Some New Jersey bike shops have reported sales drops of 20% to 90%, Electrek reported. The National Bicycle Dealers Association and a consulting firm estimate that about three dozen shops closed through the end of September, Bicycle Retailer reported.
The groups also estimate more than $23.3 million in lost retail sales and a 20% drop in sales of legal e-bikes to state buyers, Bicycle Retailer said. "These shops are people's livelihoods," said Heather Mason, the group's executive director, according to Bicycle Retailer.
The current rules have led to hundreds of tickets, New Jersey 101.5 reported, citing state court figures first reported by NJ.com. There were 628 summonses from July 19 through August, including 137 for bikes that were not registered.
Some lawmakers want stronger enforcement too, New Jersey 101.5 reported. State Senator Jon Bramnick, a Republican, wants teams of State Police troopers to help local police enforce the rules and go after bikes changed to go faster.
What we know: A bill to ease the rules for slower e-bikes was introduced on October 15.
What we don't: Whether it has enough support to pass the legislature.
Where outlets agree Electrek and New Jersey 101.5 report that S4830, from state Senator Raj Mukherji, would ease rules for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes rated at 750 watts or less with a top motor speed of 20 mph.
Where they differ The cited reports agree on the key facts so far.