New Jersey’s New E-Bike Rules

If you or your kids use an e-bike to get around, big changes just arrived in New Jersey. Governor Murphy recently signed a law that officially shifts e-bikes out of the “bicycle” category and into a framework more like mopeds or motorcycles. This means the days of just hopping on and riding without paperwork are coming to an end.

The New Requirements

Under the new law, e-bike riders are now required to have:

• A Valid License: You must be at least 15 years old to ride. If you are 17 or older, a standard driver’s license works. For those aged 15 and 16, a specialized “motorized bicycle” license (which requires a permit and a test) is now mandatory.
• Registration: All e-bikes must be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC).
• Insurance: Riders are now required to carry liability insurance.

Why the Change?

The state is implementing these rules to improve road safety following an increase in accidents. While the law is officially in effect as of January 2026, there is a six-month grace period (until July 19, 2026) to give everyone time to get their paperwork in order while the NJMVC sets up the new systems. To make it easier, the state is also waiving registration and licensing fees for the first year.

A Personal Note on the “Middle School Commute”

This change hits home for many families, including mine. I have a son in middle school who uses a 250-watt e-bike to get to school in the summer. It’s that classic “too far to walk, but too close to drive” distance, and the e-bike has been the perfect solution for his independence.

However, these new rules create a bit of a hurdle for younger students. Since the minimum age to ride is now 15, many middle schoolers who rely on e-bikes for their commute may technically be sidelined by the new age requirement. If your child is 15 or older, they’ll need to start the process of getting that motorized bicycle license soon to keep riding legally.

What Should You Do Now?

Don’t panic just yet you have until July to comply. For now, keep an eye on the NJMVC website for when they begin accepting e-bike registrations. It’s also a good time to call your insurance provider to see how they plan to handle e-bike liability coverage.