So, you want to ride an e-bike? It’s not that simple. What you don’t know can hurt you and those you love!
Do you have an e-bike? Does your child? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, there are a few things you need to know and take care of. You might say, “It’s fun to ride around outside, so what’s the problem?”
What You Need to Know About E-Bikes
The problem is that New Jersey has laws about e-bikes on both a state and a local level. If you do not know what the rules are for your kind of bike and you are involved in an accident, whether or not the accident was your fault (or your child’s), you could face serious financial issues (your insurance won’t cover the injury) and legal issues.
Imagine this awful scenario: Your child is riding an e-bike that, under the rules created by either the state or local ordinance, requires registration, a properly licensed driver, and insurance. You and your child have no idea that they cannot just ride the bike around the neighborhood with friends.
The driver of a car runs a red light and hits your child, who is riding an e-bike. Your child sustains life-threatening injuries and survives, but with permanent disabilities and disfigurement. Because the bike your child was driving should have been registered and insured, and your child should have been licensed and wearing a helmet, your child, or you on behalf of your child, are prohibited from pursuing claims for injuries, medical expenses, and property damage from the other driver.
Also, you could be held personally liable for other people's damages. In addition to the suffering caused by your child’s injury, you could be facing bankruptcy as a result of the uninsurable expenses, be unable to get your child the support services they should have, and other legal issues.
Know and Understand the Rules and Laws Regarding E-Bikes
What kind of e-bikes are there in NJ?
Before you take your e-bike out on the street, make sure that you know what your obligations are.
As of May 14, 2019, New Jersey created a new class of vehicle, Class 2. These Class 2 vehicles can include the "low speed electric bicycle" and other "micromobility vehicles" including pocket bikes, scooters, gas pedal bicycles, mini motorcycles, motorized skateboards, and others.
What is the difference between a Class 1 and a Class 2 vehicle? Speaking broadly, the defining difference is the size of the motor and the speed capability. If your vehicle cannot exceed 19 miles per hour and has an electric motor 750 Watts or smaller, or a gas motor smaller than 50 cc, then it is a Class I and does not require a license, registration, or insurance. However, each municipality can still enact ordinances limiting where and when people can ride Class 1 vehicles.
If your vehicle/e-bike can reach 20 mph or more, it is a Class 2 vehicle and must be registered with NJ and insured. The operator/driver of a Class 2 vehicle must be licensed and wear a helmet. Class II operators can also be charged with motor vehicle violations.
Be Safe and Know Your Rights Under the Law
Enjoy your e-bike, but make sure you take the necessary steps first to protect yourself and your family from the unexpected. Contact our firm today to learn more.
