E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and More in New Jersey
In January 2026, Governor Murphy signed S4834/A6235, which creates new regulations for e-bikes in New Jersey. The law classifies all e-bikes as “motorized bicycles” requiring licensure and registration. The new law states that e-bike riders have until July 19, 2026 to obtain the appropriate license and registration through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) to comply with the law. Updates from the NJMVC are available here.
Updates to this webpage to reflect the new law are forthcoming.
Low-speed electric bicycles must follow all the regulations established for traditional bicycles. This means there is no need for a license or registration. However, riders must continue to comply with all the laws that apply to vehicles, such as obeying traffic signals and following the direction of traffic. Like bicycles, e-bikes will be allowed to park on sidewalks, as long as they do not block pedestrian access. For more information on where e-bikes are allowed in New Jersey, read our blog article on this topic.
Additionally, the definition of motorized bicycles have been expanded. Aside from continuing to allow gas-powered vehicles, electric pedal bicycles that can achieve speeds between 20 mph and 28 mph now fall under this classification. These vehicles will still require a driver’s license and registration from the MVC.
Low Speed Electric Bicycles:
- 20 mph max speed
- 750 watts or less
- May be parked on sidewalks without blocking pedestrian traffic
- No license, insurance, or registration required
- Must follow all laws applicable to bicycles
- Helmet use is required for those under age 17
- May be pedal assist or throttle powered
Motorized Bicycles:
- Electric pedal bicycles that can achieve speeds between 20 and 28 mph
- Gas pedal bicycle with maximum piston displacement under 50 cc
- Require driver license, registration, and insurance
- Helmet use is required
How does the New Jersey law define e-scooters?
New Jersey law defines a “Low-speed electric scooter” as “a scooter with a floorboard that can be stood upon by the operator, with handlebars, and an electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion at a maximum speed of less than 19 miles per hour.”
E-scooters must follow all the laws that apply to bicycles. That means that riders must comply with all the laws that apply to vehicles, such as obeying traffic signals and following the direction of traffic. Like e-bikes, e-scooters will be allowed to be parked on sidewalks, as long as they do not block pedestrian access. Operation on sidewalks and trails is up to local municipalities.
Low Speed Electric Scooters:
- 19 mph max speed
- May be parked on sidewalks without blocking pedestrian traffic
- Riding on sidewalk up to each municipality
- No license, insurance, or registration required
- Must follow all laws applicable to bicycles
- Helmet use is required for those under age 17
How does New Jersey Law define other micromobility vehicles?
What about motorized skateboards, hoverboards, and more? They fall under the category of “motorized scooter.” This designation means a miniature motor vehicle and includes “pocket bikes, super pocket bikes, scooters, mini-scooters, sport scooters, mini choppers, mini motorcycles, motorized skateboards” as well as other vehicles with motors which are not manufactured to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Motorized scooters exclude motorized bicycles, low-speed vehicles, low-speed electric bicycles, or low-speed electric scooters, motorized wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other similar mobility devices used to assist persons with physical disabilities.
New Jersey state law prohibits the operation of motorized scooters on public roads, sidewalks, or public lands. These devices may only be operated on private property and only with the consent of the owner. There are exceptions for persons with mobility-related disabilities, but they are restrictive and require a special placard from the Motor Vehicle Commission; however, the “motorized scooter” category does not include traditional motorized wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other similar mobility devices used to assist persons with physical disabilities, so using these devices does not require permission from the MVC.
