As e-bikes and other micromobility devices such as e-scooters and e-motorcycles become more common in New Jersey, concerns about safety for young users are increasing. Municipalities across the state have introduced regulations that restrict where these devices can be used, often limiting access to parks, sidewalks, trails, public roads, and other public spaces. These restrictions can pose challenges for riders in areas lacking safe bicycle infrastructure.
The guidance developed by Leigh Ann Von Hagen, Hannah Younes, Sean Meehan, and Julia Kohn addresses the responsibilities of parents and communities in promoting safe riding practices among youth. The authors emphasize that parents should be knowledgeable about e-bike quality and safety standards before allowing children to ride or purchase one. They recommend selecting e-bikes with UL-certified batteries and purchasing from reputable vendors.
State law distinguishes between different classes of electric bicycles. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are street legal in New Jersey if they do not exceed 20 miles per hour with assisted speed; they do not require registration or licensing but must have a label indicating their classification. Helmets are required for riders under 17 years old. Class 3 e-bikes can reach up to 28 miles per hour and require a license, registration, insurance, and helmets for all ages. Other vehicles like electric dirt bikes are restricted to private property use only.
Electric motorcycles (e-motos) fall outside the definition of electric bicycles under state law. They require a full driver’s license or a specialized motorcycle endorsement due to their higher speeds—often reaching up to 65 mph—and increased power.
The guidance warns against tampering with speed limiters on micromobility devices because such actions are illegal and may compromise safety by exceeding the design limits of brakes and other components.
With schools generally not providing regular on-bike safety education in New Jersey, parents play an important role in teaching road rules and safe riding habits at home. Activities such as practicing riding skills together or reviewing traffic laws can help reinforce good behavior.
For teens using e-bikes independently, following predictable riding patterns, obeying traffic laws—including stopping at lights and signs—and always wearing helmets is stressed. Helmets are legally required for those under 17 but recommended for all riders due to the higher speeds of e-bikes compared to traditional bicycles.
Before each ride, an “ABC Quick Check” (Air, Brakes, Chain) is recommended to ensure equipment is functioning properly.
Research indicates that while teens may be considered high-risk riders, adults aged 55+ face greater severity of injuries from crashes involving e-bikes according to national hospital data.
To prevent accidents involving young riders, the authors advocate a comprehensive approach combining education with improvements in infrastructure—such as protected bike lanes—and community engagement through events like bike rodeos or “bike bus” programs.
They also highlight driver responsibility under New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law requiring drivers to maintain at least four feet when passing bicyclists. Local governments are encouraged to align with initiatives like Target Zero Commission’s goal of eliminating traffic deaths by 2040 through safer street design that accounts for human error.
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University supports research on transportation issues such as micromobility safety through its various centers focused on health and community development (https://bloustein.rutgers.edu/). The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in planning and public policy—including nationally ranked urban planning degrees—and is dedicated to fostering equitable communities locally and beyond (https://bloustein.rutgers.edu/).
“Helmets do not prevent crashes; they can only help prevent injuries if worn correctly,” the authors note. “The best way to stay safe is to avoid a crash in the first place.”
Parents are urged to remain involved as mentors while policymakers consider both education strategies and infrastructure improvements needed for safer micromobility use among youth across New Jersey.