E-Bike & E-Scooter Information

Dear Resident/Community Member,

Over the last few years, the law enforcement community throughout New Jersey has seen an increased amount of electric bicycles (e-bikes) on our roadways.  The Borough of Medford Lakes has been greatly affected since 2019 when Governor Murphy signed legislation changing the law on electric scooters and e-bikes. While it is the duty of law enforcement to uphold bicycle laws for both regular and electric bicycles, the role of parents remains crucial. You have a parental responsibility to ensure the bicycle(s) you purchase for your children are safe and legal.  

The majority of bicycle-related complaints involve offenders who are under the age of 18. Although police officers may stop and cite juveniles for infractions, it is ultimately the parents' responsibility to ensure their children are equipped with the necessary safety gear when riding their bicycles. This includes helmets, lights, and reflectors. Furthermore, parents must ensure that the bicycles their children use meet legal standards and, most importantly, are safe for use. Parents can face legal consequences for their children's actions, with fines ranging from $20 to $2,000 for a single violation.  

The Medford Lakes Police Department has been proactive with bicycle safety for decades.  In 1973, we started a bicycle registration/inspection program, which continues today.  In 2025, we started a BIKE TICKET program, which is an initiative to encourage more children to wear their bicycle helmets while biking.  We also acquired two (2) street-legal e-bikes for our Bike Patrol Unit to help proactive enforcement/education.  We have been on the forefront of educating the public and our students via our schools, social media, police website, signboards and various face-to-face interactions with our community members.  

While education and warnings continue, enforcement measures have been taken.  Numerous illegal e-bikes have been impounded and juveniles have received traffic summonses for violations.  Parents have received Parental Responsibility Ordinance warnings.  My officers and I have responded to e-bike accidents, have seen the dangers, and have many of the concerns you do.  

The problem will not be solved overnight.  However, it must be solved, together, as one community.  If you see something, please call 9-1-1 for emergencies or 609-267-8300 for non-emergencies.  Parents must research before purchasing, educate your children and ensure they are safe to ride.  

UPDATED LAW JANUARY 19, 2026

The Medford Lakes Police Department would like to inform residents that new statewide E-bike Laws are now in effect as of January 19, 2026 in New Jersey. These changes were enacted to address safety concerns following an increase in serious and fatal E-bike crashes.

Under the new laws:

E-bikes are no longer classified under the three-tier system (Class 1, 2, 3). All E-bikes now fall under one category.

All E-bike riders must have a valid driver’s license (17+), or a motorized bicycle license (ages 15–16)

Children (14) and younger are prohibited from operating E-bikes.

All E-bikes must be registered with the NJ MVC.

All E-bikes must have liability insurance.

A six-month grace period has been established to provide riders with sufficient time to comply with these regulations.

The Medford Lakes Police Department encourages residents and parents to review these changes, share this information, and help us promote safe and responsible riding throughout our community.

For more information visit: http://njbikeped.org/

Many do not agree with this law or the original, one way or the other.  We are law enforcement officers, not legislatures.  If you do not like the current e-bike laws, contact your local legislature.  The safety of our residents and community is top priority.  The Medford Lakes Police Department will continue to educate and enforce e-bike laws with professionalism and discretion.  

Please drive and bike safely.  

Very Respectfully,

John G. McGinnis, Jr.

Chief of Police