Local e-Bike Regulation Update
Local e-Bike Regulation Update
The New York Times recently quoted Matt Willis, Marin County health officer speaking of e-bikes as saying “The technology has moved forward way faster than our ability to measure its impact or develop sensible regulation.” That same article says that the odds of a fatality from bicycle accidents are less than 1%, whereas e-bikes have been measured to be 11%. 1 Not surprisingly, regulators are playing catch up. We always want to fit in a ride before the cold drives us indoors. However, when we ride in the warmer afternoons of late fall, or squeeze in a ride before work, we can run into the diminished light. Sunset on December 1, for example is 4:29, and 20 minutes later is dusk. Most of can see well up to sunset and even dusk, but how visible are we to drivers? They have the additional challenge of sun blindness since the sun is both lower in the sky and the leaves are off the trees. Two things are critical in keeping safe, visibility of the cyclist and recognition of the cyclist by the driver.
Recently the town of Ramsey 2 updated their e-bike/e-scooter regulations to reflect those that Florham Park 3 had previously implemented. Each town cited recent e-bike accidents as their motivation to keep pedestrians, cyclists and drivers safe. Other towns in New Jersey will almost certainly follow their lead, with the Ramsey/Florham Park regulations likely to be the starting template for their own. The regulations cover Class 1 e-bikes (pedal assist – allowed by the BTCNJ), and Class 2 (speeds up to 20 mph and not permitted by BTCNJ). Class 3 e-bikes with nominal top speeds of 28 mph, are considered motor vehicles, and are subject to those regulations, in addition to the e-bike regulations. They require a drivers’ license to operate them. E-scooters are covered by the e-bike regulations as well.
The vast majority of the e-bike /e-scooter regulations are common sense for our membership. These include such things as following traffic signs and lights, wearing a helmet, not riding on the sidewalk, riding single file, having a white light in front and a red one in the back, riding with traffic, using hand signals, stopping and yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks, and not carrying passengers unless the bicycle is equipped for it, with helmets required for passengers too.
However, there are some less than obvious restrictions. Neither town allows e-bikes /e-scooters on town property unless specifically indicated by signage. This is notable since the town of Ramsey owns the lot some BTCNJ rides leave from. And Ramsey will not allow e-bikes or scooters on Main Street or it sidewalks between Central Street, and Franklin Turnpike. Ramsey also does not permit them on the Central Bike Path, which runs from Prospect Street north up to the Interstate Plaza.
Student riders have additional restrictions. They must dismount and walk their e-bikes/e-scooters on crosswalks leading to the schools, and on school driveways and entrances. They may not ride them on school lawns or on adjacent sidewalks. E- bikes and e-scooters must be parked in the bike racks on the school property.
Parking restrictions also deserve a mention. Using bike racks wherever possible is ideal. Locking them to handicap signs is forbidden. Other restrictions are also common sense such as no parking in landscaping or in places that block buildings.
Fines for violation of these regulations are the same in both towns, and focus on the parents of juveniles under 18. First offense is a fine up to $250, with a 7 day impound of the e-bike/ e-scooter. The second offense may result in a fine up to $500 with a 60 day impound of the offending vehicle, while the third offense may result in $1000 fine and a “long term” impound. While these fines seem to focus on juveniles, we should assume adults who violate them will be subject to their consequences.
As municipalities update their e-bike regulations, BTCNJ members play an important role in modeling safe, respectful cycling. The vast majority of these rules mirror the expectations we have as a club, and staying informed and compliant with these regulations ensures our rides remain welcome in every community we pass through. Awareness and courtesy have always defined BTCNJ, and these new regulations give us another opportunity to show that leadership on the road.
1. New York Times, November 30, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/30/briefing/the-dangers-of-e-bikes.html