New Jersey Just Passed the Most Restrictive eBike Law in America - Here's What You Need to Know by William Pearl•3 days ago If you ride an eBike in New Jersey, your life just got a lot more complicated. On January 19, 2026, Governor Phil Murphy signed S4834/A6235 into law—legislation that advocacy groups are calling "the most restrictive eBike law in the United States." Starting July 20, 2026, after a 6-month grace period, ALL eBike riders in New Jersey will need registration and a driver's license, with Class 2 and Class 3 eBikes also requiring liability insurance. This law was rushed through the legislature during the lame-duck session despite universal opposition from bicycle advocates, seniors, families, mobility-challenged individuals, bike shop owners, and delivery workers. Over 5,000 people sent action letters opposing the bill, but it was signed anyway on Governor Murphy's last day in office. What Changed? New Jersey's Confusing Classification System New Jersey has abandoned the standard 3-class eBike system used in 46 other states and created its own confusing categories: NJ-Class-1: "Low Speed Electric Bicycles" - What it is: Class 1 eBikes only (pedal assist up to 20 mph, NO throttle) - Requirements:Registration with NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (first year FREE) - Driver's license (age 17+) OR - Motorized Bicycle License (age 15+) NO insurance required. NJ-Class-2: "Motorized Bicycles" - What it is: ANY eBike with a throttle OR pedal assist up to 28 mph (includes Class 2 and Class 3) - Requirements:Registration with NJ MVC - Driver's license (age 17+) OR - Motorized Bicycle License (age 15+) - LIABILITY INSURANCE - (early quotes: $75-$350 per bike per year) - Treated the same as mopeds "Electric Motorized Bicycles" (Motorcycles) - What it is: Over 750W and/or over 28 mph - Requirements: Full motorcycle license, registration, and insurance (already required before this law)