New Jersey E‑Bike Law: License, Registration & Insurance Now Required

Bottom line: On his last day in office, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that makes a license, registration, and insurance mandatory for all e‑bikes in New Jersey after a rise in crashes.

Image: New Jersey E‑Bike Law: License, Registration & Insurance Now Required – Performance Comparison and Specifications

Design & Looks – How the Law Is Structured

The new legislation is simple on paper but detailed in practice. It defines an e‑bike as any two‑wheeler with an electric motor under 750 watts that can reach no more than 20 mph. Riders must:

Hold a valid driver’s license (or a motorcycle endorsement).
Register the e‑bike with the state DMV, similar to a scooter.
Carry a minimum liability insurance policy, typically $25,000/$50,000 per person/property.

The law also sets up a $20 annual registration fee and a $10 processing fee. Existing owners get a 90‑day grace period to comply.

Performance & Mileage – What It Means for Riders

From a performance standpoint, the law doesn’t change how fast or far an e‑bike can go. However, riders may notice a few indirect effects:

Insurance paperwork can add a small delay before you hit the road.
Registration stickers are visible, so law‑enforcement can spot non‑compliant bikes more easily.
Some riders report a slight dip in confidence because of added paperwork, but the safety goal is clear: fewer accidents.

Overall mileage stays the same – most commuter e‑bikes still get 25‑45 miles on a single charge.

Price & Rivals – Costs Compared to Other States

When you add the $20 registration and insurance, the annual cost for an e‑bike owner in New Jersey climbs to roughly $150‑$200, depending on the insurer. That’s higher than neighboring states like Pennsylvania, which only require a safety inspection, and lower than New York, where a full motorcycle license is needed.

Many New Jersey riders say the extra cost is worth the potential safety boost, especially after hearing about recent e‑bike fatalities. If you’re shopping for a new e‑bike, look for models that already include insurance bundles – some manufacturers partner with insurers to simplify compliance.