New Jersey’s 2026 E-Bike Laws: What Riders and Parents Need to Know After a Crash
If you or your teen rides an e-bike, there are some new laws in effect that you need to know. In January 2026, all e-bike riders aged 17 and up are legally required to have a valid driver’s license in order to operate their vehicle. Additionally, teens between the ages of 15 and 16 are now required to have a motorized bicycle license.
These new requirements, as well as several others, are now legally in effect in New Jersey. In this blog, we will provide a helpful overview of these new e-bike laws and how they can impact your personal injury claim if you or your child is injured.
New E-Bike Laws Now in Effect in New Jersey
The new laws, which went into effect on January 19, 2026, come on the heels of increasing e-bike crashes that have tragically claimed the lives of multiple teens. Back in September 2025, our firm reported on the tragic passing of a 13-year-old boy after his e-bike collided with a landscaping truck in Scotch Plains; only a few short days later, two teen girls were struck in a devastating hit-and-run crash in Cranford.
These cases are tragically not isolated. In fact, a report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that e-bike and e-scooter injuries increased by 21% in a single year. As one of his final actions in office, former New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed new legislation that would hopefully reduce the high number of crashes.
As of publication, the following e-bike laws are now in effect:
- E-bike riders aged 17 and up are required to have a valid driver’s license
- E-bike riders between the ages of 15 and 16 are required to have a motorized bicycle license
- All e-bikes must be registered with the NJ MVC
- All riders must have liability insurance coverage in order to legally operate their e-bike
Note: All license and registration fees have been waived for the first year. However, riders will only have six months to get the licenses, registration, and insurance they need in order to safely and legally operate their e-bike. To obtain a motorized bicycle license, individuals must be at least 15 years old, possess six points of ID, and pass a written, visual and road test after having their permit for at least 20 days.
In addition, New Jersey has also made it illegal for any child under the age of 15 to operate an e-bike anywhere in the state; modification kits, which have been used in the past to either convert a traditional bike into an e-bike or increase speed, are also now illegal. Online e-bike sales have now been banned for one year.
These changes apply to all classes of e-bikes, including pedal-assisted, throttle, and high-powered.
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How The New E-Bike Laws Will Impact Your Personal Injury Claim
New Jersey drivers owe a duty of care to everyone on the road, including those riding e-bikes. In many cases, e-bike accidents happen as a result of a driver’s negligence, i.e. they were speeding, running a red light, or distracted by their phone instead of being cognizant of their surroundings.
However, with the new laws in effect, extra scrutiny will be placed on what the e-bike rider was doing at the time of the crash, including whether or not they were legally able to ride it. For example, if your 14-year old was injured by a negligent driver, the compensation they would normally receive will be reduced by their percentage of fault since they were not of legal age to operate the e-bike.
New Jersey uses what’s known as a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that an injured party can still collect compensation for their injuries as long as they are not more than 50% at fault. Typically, this would include negligent actions such as looking at a phone or weaving in between traffic. However, with the new laws, simply being on the e-bike while underaged is enough to shift partial blame to the rider…and that is exactly what the other party’s insurance company will argue to try and underpay your claim.
However, these new laws also offer protection. For e-bike riders who are of age and have the proper insurance and registration, proof of compliance becomes the backbone of your claim, making it harder for insurance companies to argue shared liability. In cases like these, settlement negotiations with the other driver’s insurance carrier are likely to go more smoothly.
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Were You or Your Loved One Injured in an E-Bike Accident? Contact Drazin & Warshaw For a Free Consultation Today
These new laws, while they may be disappointing to younger teens who ride e-bikes, are designed to keep our streets safer. E-bike crashes are happening far too often and this is the first measure taken to help decrease the number of catastrophic injuries and fatalities that have accompanied what should have been a fun, easy ride.
But navigating these types of personal injury claims, especially when new laws are in effect, can be complex. You need a skilled attorney to guide you through. At Drazin and Warshaw, your health and well-being is our first priority. We’ll handle the investigations and conversations with the insurance company while your family focuses on what matters most: your recovery.
Don’t wait. If you or your loved one was injured while riding an e-bike, call Drazin and Warshaw at 732-333-8141 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients throughout New Jersey, including Hazlet, Red Bank, Old Bridge, and Cranford.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
