In the wake of recent tragedies involving young electric-bike riders across the state, New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced new federal legislation to increase federal investments for states to create e-bike safety plans and increase public awareness around safe riding practices.
Speaking during a press conference in Hackensack, Gottheimer cited a National Institute of Health study that showed that that kids between the ages of 10 and 13 comprised the largest group of e-bike injuries and said the first thing New Jersey municipalities can do is enforce the state’s helmet law.
According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, electric bike riders must follow all the state’s traffic laws. Helmets are also required if the rider is 17 years old or younger.
The Safety and Funding for E-Bikes Ride Act, or S.A.F.E Ride Act, will increase federal investment for states to have, or create, an “Electric Bike Safety Plan,” providing states with the resources they need to meet their own specific bike safety challenges, while helping reduce crashes and accidents.
Gottheimer’s legislation follows the recent death of a 14-year-old boy in the state who was hit by a car while riding his e-bike.
In response to that tragedy, three state legislators announced they are drafting a bill to require mandatory training courses for e-bike riders.
That bill is separate from other e-bike legislation already moving through the Legislature, including one which would require them to be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and to be insured.
Across the country, e-bike injuries surged 293% from 2019 to 2022. A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission study found that between 2017 and 2022, hospitals reported more than 53,000 e-bike-related injuries.
I recall many years ago when mopeds were a thing. There were state requirements, needing to be at least 15 years of age to legally drive, moped was registered with the state and drivers were required to have a moped license to operate (if not a motor vehicle license). I feel like there was also an insurance requirement but dont recall.
While I am sure there were tons of people that didnt follow any of the rules and regulations back then, it sounds like these ruls need to be implemented for ebikes as well and of course enforced. At the very least some sort of safety course (just another way for the state to take your money).
I do not believe it is another way for the state to take your money I myself have witnessed a lot of e bike riders who are very unsafe drivers they should have to go to a course on safely riding these bikes and have insurance to be on the roads with them why do I need insurance if they do not ,