Senator Vince Polistina, Assemblyman Don Guardian, and Assemblywoman Claire Swift of Atlantic County have called for stronger safety requirements for e-bike operators after the recent death of a teenager in Egg Harbor Township. The incident, which took place earlier this month, has prompted local officials and residents to seek clarification on current e-bike regulations and discuss possible legislative changes.
“First and foremost, our condolences are with the Sullivan family in the wake of this unspeakable tragedy,” Senator Polistina said. “As we see an increased use of these types of electric bicycles, so too do we see an increase in accidents.”
Following the July 17 accident, the lawmakers’ Legislative Office received several inquiries regarding existing laws and potential reforms. Polistina stated that their research revealed a lack of adequate safety instruction for young e-bike riders in New Jersey. “After some initial research, it was clear that New Jersey does not offer proper safety instruction for these young riders,” he said. “In working with the Office of Legislative Services, we are drafting a bill to create an operator’s safety course for Class I and Class II e-bike operators.”
Assemblyman Guardian highlighted that e-bikes can reach speeds up to twenty miles per hour—almost double that of traditional bicycles—and argued they should be regulated more closely to scooters and mopeds. “These e-bikes have the ability to carry a rider up to twenty miles an hour, nearly twice the average speed of a traditional bike,” explained Guardian. “As the speed increases, so does the need for knowledge about how to safely operate an e-bike.”
Assemblywoman Swift noted there are currently no certification or licensing requirements for operating motorized vehicles on land or water without some form of official approval. “There are no other motorized vehicles that you can legally operate on land or on our waterways that do not require some type of certification or licensing,” she said. “We do this to ensure responsible operation and keep everyone safe on the roads. We need to provide the same for our e-bikers.”
The legislators expect their draft bill will be ready within two weeks and plan to introduce it when the legislature returns from summer recess.
