It was a tragic story that made headlines across the state of New Jersey: a 14-year-old boy in Somers Point lost his life in an accident while riding an electric bicycle. Just a week later, another devastating accident claimed the life of a 21-year-old man riding his e-bike in Edgewater.
These incidents are not isolated. They reflect a growing trend across the state—and the nation—as e-bikes surge in popularity. Affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly, they offer riders of all ages a convenient way to travel. But with their rise has come a troubling increase in accidents and injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that e-bikes and e-scooters were involved in nearly 250,000 emergency room visits and more than 350 fatalities nationwide between 2017 and 2022.
In response, New Jersey lawmakers have begun considering legislation that would require safety courses for e-bike riders. PIANJ applauds these efforts. Safety education will save lives. But PIANJ argues that education alone will not solve the problem. Without an insurance framework, families remain financially unprotected when tragedy strikes.
The legal gray area
This gap in protections was made especially clear in a recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision. In Goyco v. Progressive Insurance Co., the court considered whether an operator of an electric stand-up scooter qualified as a “pedestrian” under New Jersey’s No-Fault Law. The answer was no. The court held that LSES are vehicles, not pedestrians, and therefore operators are not entitled to personal injury protection benefits under standard auto insurance policies.
The ruling recognized that micromobility riders fall into a coverage gap. But instead of expanding definitions, the justices made it clear that this is a policy question for lawmakers—not the courts. In other words, the responsibility now lies with the Legislature to decide how e-bikes and e-scooters should be treated under state insurance laws.
Why insurance matters
PIANJ believes this decision highlights exactly why New Jersey needs a comprehensive e-bike insurance framework. Unlike cars or motorcycles, e-bike users are not required to carry liability coverage, and while some homeowners or renters insurance policies may provide limited protection, coverage is inconsistent and full of gaps. Victims of accidents—including pedestrians and other road users—are left without recourse.
A clear insurance framework would make riders financially accountable for the harm they may cause, while also protecting victims. It would bring consistency with other motorized vehicles already subject to insurance requirements, such as mopeds and motorcycles. And it would give consumers and insurers clarity, ending the uncertainty that exists today.
Moving forward
PIANJ is urging lawmakers to act. Whether through direct legislation requiring liability coverage or by directing the Department of Banking and Insurance to create regulations, New Jersey must establish a clear framework that pairs safety education with insurance protections.
E-bikes are here to stay. New Jersey now has the opportunity to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that riders, pedestrians, and motorists alike are protected.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., joined PIA as government affairs counsel for the Government & Industry Affairs Department in 2012 and then, after a four-month leave, he returned to the association in 2018 as director of government & industry affairs responsible for all legal, government relations and insurance industry liaison programs for the five state associations. Prior to PIA, Brad worked as an attorney for Steven J. Baum PC, in Amherst, and as an associate attorney for the law office of James Morris in Buffalo. He also spent time serving as senior manager of government affairs as the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, a chamber of commerce serving the Buffalo, N.Y., region, his hometown. He received his juris doctorate from Buffalo Law School and his Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Politics from Utica College, Utica, N.Y. Brad is an active Mason and Shriner.
