Opposition to S4834/A6235 Low-Speed E-bikes
Dear Senator Scutari,
On behalf of Hudson County Complete Streets, I am writing to register our opposition to S4834/A6235, eliminating the “low-speed e-bike” definition, combining it with the e-moto or moped definition, and requiring a driver’s license and insurance to operate low-speed e-bikes.
If passed, this law would make New Jersey a national outlier imposing a regressive regulation with no proven safety benefits. There is not one state that requires licensing and registration of low-speed Class 1 and Class 2 ebikes (max 20mph). Traffic safety experts agree that speed kills. But the devices targeted in this bill are low-speed electric bicycles, making them excellent alternatives to high-speed class 3 e-mopeds and e-motos which are currently already illegal to ride without registration and without a license.
Hudson County residents rely heavily on personal e-bikes for essential transportation. In addition, there are more than 80,000 e-Citi Bike rides per month in Jersey City and Hoboken. Requiring licensing and registration would place an unacceptable burden on thousands of New Jerseyans who have chosen ebikes because they are safer, slower, more affordable and more sustainable than cars. We understand that dramatic shifts in transportation patterns require adaptation and sometimes government regulation. This is why we support the following legislative actions:
As for purchasing automobiles, require registration for class 3 e-bikes and e-motos at the point of sale, as in New York, as well as requiring proof of insurance and license.
Enforce existing age limits for children, which point-of-sale registration will make clear.
Update insurance laws to include PIP coverage for riders hurt on e-bikes alongside analog bikes.
Follow the Target Zero Action Plan, and build infrastructure for people biking and e-biking.
Empower police officers to break out e-bike crash data.
Please reconsider this legislation and join us in working to figure out laws that will keep ALL of us safe no matter what mode we use to travel.
Sincerely,
Emmanuelle Morgen, Executive Director
