New Jersey now enforces one of the nation’s strictest e-bike regulations after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a licensing bill on Monday, his final full day in office.
At a Glance
- All e-bikes are reclassified as motorized bicycles.
- Riders must hold a valid driver’s license or obtain a separate motorized bicycle license.
- Insurance and registration are now mandatory.
- Why it matters: The change immediately affects thousands of commuters, delivery workers, and teens who rely on e-bikes daily.
Starting this week, every e-bike operator in New Jersey must carry either a standard driver’s license or a newly required motorized bicycle license issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission. The law, signed amid rising safety complaints, applies to every device with pedals and a motor.
Who Needs What
| Rider Status | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Holds NJ driver’s license | Ride legally with no extra permit |
| No driver’s license | Must earn motorized bicycle license |
| Under 15 | Cannot ride legally |
| Bike owner | Must register and insure the e-bike |
To earn the stand-alone permit, applicants must:
- Be 15 or older
- Provide six points of identification
- Pass a written test
- Pass a vision test
- Hold a learner’s permit for 20 days
- Pass a road test
Olivia Bennett Harris reported that the MVC will enforce the same documentation standards already used for moped riders.
Penalties and Policing
Lawmakers did not detail specific fines in the bill text released by News Of Philadelphia. Enforcement authority rests with local police departments and the MVC. Riders caught without proper licensing, registration, or insurance could face tickets, court appearances, and impound fees.
Why Now
Murphy cited a surge in e-bike popularity and a parallel rise in crashes, especially among teens. “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,” he said at the bill-signing ceremony. He thanked Senate President Nicholas Scutari for championing the measure.
Industry Impact
Bike shops across the state expect a rush for registrations and insurance policies. Delivery platforms that rely on e-bike couriers must verify every rider’s credentials or face liability exposure. News Of Philadelphia‘s analysis shows the law took effect immediately upon signing, giving riders no grace period.
Political Timing
The governor signed the bill on January 19, 2026, handing a high-profile safety win to Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill hours before her January 20 inauguration. Sherrill has not announced plans to amend or repeal the statute.
Key Takeaways
- No warning period: Police can ticket riders today.
- Insurance market: Carriers must now offer e-bike policies.
- Teen riders: Most middle-school and many high-school students are effectively barred until age 15.
- Registration cost: MVC has yet to publish fee schedules.
- National precedent: New Jersey joins a handful of states treating e-bikes like motor vehicles rather than bicycles.
