e-Bikes in a row

A New E-Bike Law in NJ? Here’s What We Know (and How We’re Thinking About It)

If you’ve been following e-bike news in New Jersey, you may have heard about a proposed bill (S4834) that could change how e-bikes are classified in our state. I want to take a moment to explain what this means, what it doesn’t mean yet, and how we at Jesse’s e-Rides are thinking about it.

First — this bill has not been voted on. Nothing is law right now. There will likely be changes, clarifications, and amendments as it moves through the legislative process.

But since we’re an e-bike shop that cares deeply about accessibility, independence, and safe riding, I want our community to understand what’s being discussed.

What the Proposed Bill Suggests

In its current form, the bill would treat most e-bikes — even the low-speed Class 1 and Class 2 bikes many of you ride — as “motorized bicycles.” That could mean things like:

  • Requiring a driver’s license

  • Requiring registration

  • Requiring insurance

Again: this is proposed, not final.

New Jersey is trying to respond to the rapid growth of e-bikes and figure out how to keep riders safe. We support safety. We also want to make sure safety measures make sense for the people who rely on these bikes for transportation, recreation, and mobility.

Why This Matters to Us (and to You)

At Jesse’s e-Rides, we serve every kind of rider:

  • Commuters

  • Parents

  • Teens

  • Riders who haven’t been on a bike in years

  • People who simply want a fun, easy way to get outside

  • Riders with special needs/disabilities/advanced age

For many, the beauty of an e-bike is that it’s approachable. It feels like a bicycle, not a motor vehicle. Adding licensing and registration may create hurdles for riders who just want a simple, low-speed way to get around.

And beyond the shop, this discussion affects something close to my heart.

Our Nonprofit: 3 Wheels from Jesse

We founded 3 Wheels from Jesse, a nonprofit dedicated to providing adaptive e-trikes to people who cannot ride traditional two-wheeled bicycles. These trikes aren’t recreational toys — they’re mobility devices. They give people with disabilities a chance to experience freedom, movement, and community outdoors.

If licensing or registration becomes mandatory for low-speed adaptive trikes, it could create barriers for the exact riders who need them most. Many would not qualify for a driver’s license. In fact, even our own precious son with autism and the inspiration for our store and mission, Jesse, would no longer be able to ride his e-trike. He would lose all automony his trike has brought him. 

We want to make sure the law recognizes the different levels of needs for e-mobility and the impact of broad strokes in legislation.

How We’re Approaching This

We’re not panicking yet — and we don’t want you to, either. But we're not taking this lightly.

Here’s what we are doing:

  • We’re monitoring the bill closely.

  • We’re connecting with statewide advocacy groups.

  • We’re offering input wherever appropriate, especially around accessibility.

  • We’re advocating for exemptions for adaptive mobility devices and low-speed e-vehicles.

  • We’re keeping our customers informed with facts, not fear.

Our goal is simple: support safety while protecting access to mobility for all riders.

How You Can Participate

If you want to support accessible e-bike use in New Jersey, here are meaningful steps you can take:

1. Contact your legislators

A short, polite message from a constituent goes a long way.
Share why you ride, what your e-bike means to you, or why adaptive mobility matters.

2. Support disability-inclusive language

Ask lawmakers to protect low-speed adaptive trikes and mobility devices from licensing requirements. This ensures people with disabilities aren’t unintentionally shut out.

3. Spread awareness respectfully

Let friends and family know this conversation is happening. The more voices lawmakers hear, the more informed their decisions will be.

4. Stay informed with us

We’ll share updates as the bill progresses and offer guidance on how the community can stay engaged.

In Closing

E-bikes have brought joy, freedom, and independence to so many of us. Any new legislation should protect that — not limit it. We’re hopeful that with thoughtful discussion, New Jersey will find a balanced approach that prioritizes safety and preserves the accessibility that makes e-bikes so life-changing.

We’re here, we’re listening, and we’ll keep advocating for the people who ride.

— Shannon
Owner, Jesse’s e-Rides
Founder, 3 Wheels from Jesse

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