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E-Bike Legislation Update Alert!
Over the last several months, there has been a lot of discussion and media coverage surrounding e-bike crashes. In response, local areas have passed ordinances to regulate e-bikes and state level legislation has also been proposed. Lost in this discussion is the very important difference between low speed e-bikes and higher speed motorized bicycles, or e-motos which can reach much faster speeds, comparable to motorcycles. The current proposed statewide bill eliminates the current definitions that distinguish between low speed e-bikes and high speed e-motos and combines them into a single category that designates them all as “motorized bicycles” and requires licensing, insurance and registration for all types.
This approach limits critical transportation options for e-bike users creating unnecessary barriers for seniors, people with disabilities, our immigrant communities, and many who do not have access to other modes of transportation. This bill creates many unintentional obstacles while it does not resolve the real safety concerns with high speed and illegal out of class motorized bicycles.
We need enforcement of existing laws and illegally modified devices, registration and information provided by vendors, and education for parents and young riders, especially on use of high speed e-motos. To determine where the real dangers lie we also need to collect and study data on the use and crashes involving low speed e-bikes and higher speed motorized bicycles.
We have recently testified at the Senate Transportation Committee hearing and at the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee in opposition to the current legislation, S4834. There is also now a similar version going through the Assembly, A6235.
At NJBWC, we recognize the importance of this issue and want to work together with families, communities, and lawmakers to develop smart solutions to keeping all road users safe including those on e-mobility devices. Micromobility is rapidly growing as a critical and equitable transportation alternative to driving a car. We need solutions that identify and address legitimate safety concerns while expanding safe places for e-mobility to grow. While we work on updating micromobility policy we must continue to focus on the major causes of traffic violence, where over 99% of traffic fatalities and serious injuries result from car crashes on our roads.
Call and let your legislator know you oppose S4834/A6235 today!
Look for our Action Network Letter, later this week, to add your voice and oppose this bill.
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