E-Bike Deaths: N.J. Scrambling to Address Increasingly Dangerous Trend

Fatalities linked to electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are on the rise in New Jersey. One of the most stunning was caught on a gas station security video and widely shared on Facebook. In it, a driver can be seen pulling out of the BP gas station on Chestnut Ridge Road in Montvale when a 15-year-old e-bike rider crashes into the driver’s side of the car and flips over the bike, landing on top of the car. 

Fortunately, the teen survived. But just this week alone, two additional e-bike riders were killed in separate crashes. Another teen was struck and killed by a landscaping truck in Scotch Plains and a 22-year-old killed by a van in Orange after crossing into oncoming traffic.

The gas station video, along with many other e-bike traffic incidents, have led to calls for improved regulations as the bikes become more ubiquitous around the state. Responding to numerous reports of aggressive and illegal e-bike driving, the mayor of Woodbridge issued a crackdown on riders zipping around city sidewalks at 30 mph.

Recently, a juvenile e-bike rider under 16 was informed they would not be eligible for their driver’s license on time without first completing a driver safety course – punishment for eluding police and causing traffic issues on an e-bike.

The Rise of E-Bikes

E-bikes are skyrocketing in popularity. More than 1.7 million were sold in 2024 alone. Some riders cite e-bikes as a more affordable micromobility option, allowing increased access to food and healthcare without the expense of a motor vehicle. 

However, lower prices have increased the number of children using e-bikes, including using them to commute to school. A 2023 study found that a disproportionate number of young children and teens suffer e-bike injuries. Evidence, some say, that inexperienced riders, and their parents, need a better understanding of the rules.

Lack of rules, more education, and better infrastructure is part of the problem, officials say. Now, lawmakers and local leaders are trying to catch up with state and federal regulations addressing where e-bikes can be used and what licensing and registration is required.

Cracking Down

After multiple e-bike accidents in Florham Park and police stopping a 16-year-old riding an e-bike capable of traveling 50 mph, Morris County officials had had enough. They created ordinances that prohibit e-bikes on sidewalks and require anyone under 17 to wear helmets, along with $250 fines to parents whose children violate the rules. 

While many locales have similar concerns, there is much confusion around how to regulate e-bikes because they blur the line between a motorized vehicle and traditional bicycles. Several look-like motorcycles, do not have pedals, and use a throttle.

In May, New Jersey enacted laws clarifying how e-bikes should be categorized: 

• Class 1 and 2 e-bikes: Pedal-assist models and throttle e-bikes that do not exceed 20 mph are regulated the same as standard bicycles. They may be legally operated on streets, highways, and bicycle paths without a license or registration.
• Class 3 e-bikes: These high-speed e-bikes can reach up to 28 mph and require a license, registration, and insurance. Riders must be at least 15 years old. 

Federally, proposed legislation called the SAFE Ride Act would increase federal funding to promote safety practices and provide resources to states to create bike safety plans that address their own specific challenges. The proposal would also urge the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish federal e-bike safety guidelines that states can integrate in school curriculums and public awareness campaigns.

Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. is a full-service law firm. If you have been injured in a bike accident, call 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With office locations in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.