N.J.: E-bike overhaul: What a new bill means for riders, regulators—and insurance producers

As the New Jersey Legislature zeroes in on e-bike insurance during the current lame duck session, S-4834 emerges as a key piece of proposed legislation. Introduced by Sen. Nicholas P. Scutari, D–22, S-4834 is the second e-bike insurance bill put forward in recent weeks, underscoring lawmaker’s growing urgency to regulate electric bicycle usage and insurance requirements.

Right now, electric bikes fall into a few different categories, like “low-speed electric bicycles,” each with its own rules. But S-4834 would eliminate those distinctions and redefine all pedal bikes with electric motors as “motorized bicycles.” That means whether a bike is pedal-assisted or throttle-powered, it would be subject to the same requirements as mopeds.

What would the bill actually do?

If passed, S-4834 would require riders to register their motorized bicycles with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, carry liability insurance, and hold either a basic driver’s license (if 17 or older) or a motorized bicycle license (if 15 or older). Riders also would need to follow all traffic laws applicable to motorized vehicles and report any accidents involving their bikes.

To ease the transition, the bill includes a six-month grace period for compliance and waives registration and licensing fees for the first year. It also would allow owners to register their bikes using a sworn affidavit if they don’t have a bill of sale or formal proof of ownership.

What are the insurance requirements?

S-4834 would bring electric bicycles under the same insurance framework that currently applies to motorized bicycles. That means riders would be required to carry:

Liability insurance for bodily injury, death and property damage. Minimum coverage limits include: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury (before Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026); $35,000 per person and $70,000 per accident (on or after Jan. 1, 2026); and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Personal Injury Protection for pedestrians injured by a motorized bicycle or by an object propelled from one.

Uninsured Motorist coverage to ensure compensation if the at-fault party is in an accident doesn’t have insurance.

These requirements would align electric bikes with other motorized vehicles in New Jersey, closing insurance gaps and offering stronger protections for both riders and pedestrians.

Why it matters to insurance producers

This bill would expand the pool of insurable vehicles—and insured individuals significantly. Riders who previously didn’t need coverage would now be required to carry PIP, liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. That’s a big shift, and it opens the door for producers to offer new products and educate clients on their responsibilities.

It also raises practical questions: Will carriers treat these policies like motorcycle coverage? Will producers need to help clients understand the difference between a “motorized bicycle” and what used to be a “low-speed electric bike”? These are the kinds of issues producers will need to navigate if S-4834 becomes law.

What’s next?

S-4834 has just been introduced and will likely generate discussion among regulators, riders and the insurance industry. If enacted, it would take effect 60 days after passage, with the MVC authorized to begin administrative preparations immediately.

PIANJ continues to monitor the bill and advocate for balanced solutions that promote safety without overburdening riders or small businesses. Whether you’re a producer, a rider or just someone trying to make sense of New Jersey’s evolving micromobility rules, one thing’s clear: change is coming.