New e-bike and motorized scooter rules have taken effect in New Jersey

New regulations governing electric bicycles and motorized scooters go into effect Sunday across New Jersey, introducing age restrictions, licensing mandates and increased penalties for violators.

Under the legislation, operators of e-bikes and e-scooters must be at least 15 years old. Riders of all ages are required to wear helmets and obtain both a license and registration for their vehicles.

“At 15 and 16, you can go get a moped license,” said Woodbridge Police Sgt. Joseph Angelo. “Seventeen and older, you can either go with your moped, or get a regular driver’s license.”

Motorized bicycles capable of exceeding 20 mph must also carry insurance coverage.

Authorities said violators could face fines and potential impoundment of their e-bikes.

The new rules come amid a sharp rise in accidents and fatalities involving electric scooters and bicycles.

Tram, a 23-year-old North Bergen resident who requested her first name only be used, suffered multiple ankle fractures last year while riding an electric scooter.

“I hit like a curb-ish area and I just went flying,” she said. “I fell. And then obviously I couldn’t get back up because my leg was completely like jelly.”

She underwent surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center and has since stopped using e-scooters.

Emergency room physicians report a significant increase in scooter-related injuries.

“The injuries range, right? So you can have anything from road rash, which is really simple, to broken bones, to head injuries and internal bleeding,” said Dr. Alina Mitina, an ER physician at HUMC. “Head injuries are probably the most common thing we see.”

Bicycle advocacy groups expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the new measures.

“What makes it safe to ride on a bicycle or an e-bike is the correct infrastructure. So we really need to see protective bike lanes,” said Beatriz Bofill of Bike JC.

Angelo, however, said he believes the regulations will reduce injuries and deaths.

“Some people are going to argue that they’re too strict,” he said. “I’m for strict. I feel that safety is paramount.”