New Jersey E-Bike Laws - What Every Rider Needs to Know
Beginning June 26, 2026, new New Jersey laws require all e-bikes to be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). Riders should familiarize themselves with these new requirements before operating an e-bike.
What is an E-Bike?
New Jersey recognizes two general categories of e-bikes:
Low-Speed Electric Bicycles
- Pedal-assisted bicycles with a helper motor that only provides assistance while pedaling.
- Maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
Motorized Bicycles/Mopeds
These include pedal-assisted bicycles with:
- An engine under 50 cubic centimeters, or
- An electric motor that assists while pedaling between 21 and 28 mph, or
- An electric motor that operates using a throttle up to 15 mph.
Licensing Requirements
To operate an e-bike in New Jersey, riders must:
- Be at least 15 years old, and
- Possess either a valid New Jersey driver's license or an E-bike license.
Individuals may not apply for or receive an E-bike license while their driving privileges are suspended or revoked.
If you are 17 years of age or older and already have a valid New Jersey driver's license, you do not need a separate E-bike license.
If you do not have a driver's license, you must obtain an E-bike license before operating an e-bike.
Helmet Requirement
All e-bike riders are required by law to wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet provides important protection against serious head injuries.
Registration Requirements
Beginning June 26, 2026, all e-bikes must be registered with the NJMVC.
To register your e-bike, you must:
- Schedule an E-Bike Initial Registration appointment at an NJMVC Vehicle Center.
- Complete the Low-Speed Electric Bike and Motorized Bike Ownership and Registration Form (BA-49EB).
- Present either:
- 6 Points of Identification,
- A valid New Jersey driver's license, or
- A New Jersey non-driver photo identification card.
- Complete a parent or guardian consent form if you are under 18 and your parent or guardian is not present.
- Provide proof of insurance, if applicable.
- Provide proof of ownership, such as:
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO),
- Purchase receipt,
- Notarized bill of sale, or
- Affidavit from the current owner documented on Form BA-49EB.
- Once registered, place your license plate stickers on both sides of your e-bike's front fork.
Insurance Requirements
Low-Speed Electric Bicycles
- Registration is required.
- Insurance is not required.
Motorized Bicycles/Mopeds
- Registration is required.
- Insurance is required.
How to Obtain an E-Bike License
If you need an E-bike license, you must:
- Study the New Jersey Driver Manual, Motorcycle Manual (Section 10), and the E-bike and Motorized Bicycle/Moped Manual.
- Schedule an appointment for an initial E-bike permit and complete Form BA-208.
- Bring your 6 Points of Identification and, if applicable, a parent consent form.
- Pay the permit examination fee. (The $5 fee is waived through January 2027.)
- Pass the required knowledge and vision tests. If you fail the knowledge test, you may retest after 7 days.
- Practice operating your e-bike during daylight hours.
- Schedule a road test at least 20 days, but no more than 45 days, after receiving your validated permit.
- Bring the following to your road test:
- A registered e-bike with license plate sticker attached to the front fork.
- A helmet.
- Your validated permit.
- 6 Points of Identification.
- Proof of insurance if testing with a motorized bicycle.
- If you pass the road test, bring your validated permit, 6 Points of Identification, proof of address, and your test score sheet to an NJMVC Licensing Center to receive your E-bike license. No appointment is required. If you do not pass the road test, you may retest after 14 days.
Residents are encouraged to determine which type of e-bike they own and ensure they meet all licensing, registration, helmet, and insurance requirements. For additional information, to determine your e-bike classification, or to schedule an appointment, please visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website.
E-Bike Laws Packet