The NJ E-Bike Law: Day 24 – The Small Business Impact, Part 5

This is Part 5 of the Small Business Impact series, and today we’re sharing real statewide data from New Jersey bike shops.

Last Thursday evening, I hosted an impromptu call with bike shops across the state. We had representation from all over New Jersey. Thirteen people joined the call, and sixteen shops completed a survey beforehand.

Here’s what the data shows.

How Dependent Are Shops on E-Bikes?

Seventy percent of responding shops reported that more than 25% of their inventory is tied up in e-bikes.

One in four shops is heavily dependent on e-bike sales.

That level of dependency means regulatory uncertainty is not just inconvenient — it is an existential risk.

Rental Programs Affected

Approximately 40% of participating shops offer e-bike rentals.

Those rental programs are directly affected by the new law. For many shops, rentals were a growth area heading into 2026.

How Shops Are Responding

Most shops are currently in a holding pattern.

Many are evaluating next steps, while some have already:

• Delayed or cancelled planned inventory orders
• Adjusted customer messaging
• Reduced or slowed marketing efforts
• Declined new supplier relationships due to uncertainty

Very few shops have attempted to return inventory, largely because that is not realistically possible.

None reported fully pausing sales, because businesses still need revenue to survive.

Sales Impact

Nearly 40% of shops reported returns, cancelled orders, or lost sales directly tied to the law.

More than one-third are already experiencing moderate to significant sales declines.

And this is happening during the slow winter season. If uncertainty continues into the spring, the financial impact will likely grow substantially.

Growth and Hiring on Hold

Many shops are delaying inventory expansion, reconsidering policies, and questioning long-term participation in the e-bike market.

This hesitation directly limits:

• Business growth
• New hiring
• Customer access to products

Limited Guidance

Almost all shops are actively reaching out to lawmakers and advocacy groups.

However, very few report receiving meaningful guidance from regulators, insurers, or legislative offices.

Many are navigating this situation largely on their own.

The Bigger Question

Did lawmakers intend for this level of disruption to occur immediately?

Regardless of intent, the reality is that both disabled riders and small businesses are feeling the effects now.

Time and careful drafting matter. More time could have prevented day-one instability.

📂 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 update here: