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.  

As of May 2019, there are new regulations under Section 39:4-14.16 - Operation of low-speed electric bicycle or scooter.

The new law states that the bicycle must, “meet the requirements of one of  the following classifications: class 1 low-speed electric bicycle, which means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour; or class 2 low-speed electric bicycle, which means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles.”

Low-speed electric bicycles must follow all the regulations established for traditional bicycles. This means there is no need for a license or registration. However, riders must continue to comply with all the laws that apply to vehicles, such as obeying traffic signals and following the direction of traffic. Like bicycles, e-bikes will be allowed to park on sidewalks, as long as they do not block pedestrian access.

Additionally, the definition of motorized bicycles has been expanded. Aside from continuing to allow gas-powered vehicles, electric bicycles that can achieve speeds between 20 mph and 28 mph now fall under this classification. These vehicles will still require a driver’s license and registration from the MVC.

Low-Speed Electric Bicycles:

20 mph max speed

750 watts or less

May be parked on sidewalks without blocking pedestrian traffic

No license, insurance, or registration required

Must follow all laws applicable to bicycles

Helmet use is required for those under age 17

May be pedal-assist or throttle powered

Must be equipped with working pedals

Low-Speed Electric Scooters:

19 mph max speed

May be parked on sidewalks without blocking pedestrian traffic

Riding on the sidewalk is up to each municipality and can be regulated by ordinance

No license, insurance, or registration required

Must follow all laws applicable to bicycles

Helmet use is required for those under age 17

Motorized Bicycles:

Electric pedal bicycles that can achieve speeds between 20 and 28 mph

Gas pedal bicycle with maximum piston displacement under 50 cc

Require driver license, registration, and insurance

Helmet use is required.

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

Many do not agree with this law, 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