The NJ E-Bike Law: Day 19 – It’s Not Just Jesse

Today’s update is about why this fight matters — and why it goes far beyond just one person.

We made a special delivery today to my friend Jimmy Appio. After completing a tune-up on his trike, we loaded it up and brought it back to his house.

A Longtime Friendship

Jimmy and I have known each other since we were kids. I moved to Little Silver when I was 12, and we went to school together growing up.

About three years ago, Jimmy suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. He nearly died, but he survived. Like many stroke survivors, mobility became a daily challenge.

Mobility After a Stroke

Before his stroke, Jimmy loved riding bikes. It was something he deeply missed during his recovery.

Eventually, he found his way back — not on two wheels, but on three.

Jimmy now rides an electric trike, and it has given him something incredibly important: independence.

What the Trike Means to Him

Jimmy shared that he rides his trike almost every chance he gets.

At first, it was difficult. But over time, he built confidence, strength, and balance.

Today, he can even ride to the store on his own.

That may sound simple, but for someone recovering from a stroke, it’s life-changing.

Why This Story Matters

This is why the new e-bike law is such a problem.

Jimmy can safely control his trike. What he may not be able to do is pass a written or verbal licensing test — something that now stands between people like him and their ability to ride legally.

This law doesn’t just affect one family. It affects stroke survivors, people with cognitive disabilities, and anyone who relies on adaptive mobility to live independently.

It’s Bigger Than One Person

This isn’t just about Jesse.

It’s about Jimmy, and countless others like him who depend on low-speed e-bikes and e-trikes for transportation, freedom, and dignity.

These are the stories lawmakers need to hear.

📂 This update is part of our ongoing NJ E-Bike Law series.
Follow all updates here:
NJ E-Bike Law Playlist on YouTube

📺 Watch the full Day 19 update here: