New Jersey

How the law defines it: "Low-speed electric bicycle": two wheels, working pedals, pedal-assist only, cuts out at 20 mph. Throttle e-bikes and pedal-assist bikes faster than 20 mph (up to 28 mph) are "motorized bicycles" (moped rules). E-bikes over 750 W that can exceed 28 mph are "electric motorized bicycles" and count as motorcycles.

Helmet

Low-speed e-bike: under 17 (bicycle helmet law applies). Motorized bicycle: all riders.

Minimum age

15. Riders 15-16 need a motorized bicycle license or permit; 17+ need a driver's license or motorized bicycle license. Shared/rental low-speed e-bikes: 16+, no license needed.

Speed limit or cap

20 mph motor assist for a low-speed e-bike; motorized bicycles up to 28 mph

Motor power cap

None for low-speed e-bikes (wattage limit removed in 2026); over 750 W and over 28 mph = motorcycle

License, registration, insurance

Since the 2026 law: low-speed e-bikes must be registered with the MVC and the rider needs a driver's license or e-bike (motorized bicycle) license; no insurance. Motorized bicycles also need insurance. Shared/rental e-bikes are exempt from individual licensing and registration.

Also worth knowing

P.L.2025, c.285 (signed Jan. 19, 2026) gave existing owners six months to register and get licensed; per the MVC, the new requirements took effect July 2026. MVC fees waived for one year. Selling kits that convert a low-speed e-bike into a motorized bicycle is banned. A rear reflector is required from dusk to dawn.

How the law defines it: "Low-speed electric scooter": a floorboard to stand on, handlebars, and an electric motor with a top speed under 19 mph. Not a motor vehicle.

Helmet

Under 17 (bicycle rules, including the helmet law, apply to low-speed e-scooters).

Minimum age

None in statute.

Speed limit or cap

Device top speed under 19 mph

Motor power cap

None in statute

License, registration, insurance

No registration or driver's license required (unchanged by the 2026 e-bike law).

Also worth knowing

A stand-up scooter that can go 19 mph or faster does not meet this definition and would fall under 'motorized scooter' (N.J.S.A. 39:1-1), which is banned from public streets and sidewalks (39:4-14.12).

How the law defines it: "Motorized skateboard" (a skateboard propelled other than by muscle power) is listed as a type of "motorized scooter", a miniature motor vehicle not built to federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Helmet

Required on locally designated property (ordinance must require it).

Minimum age

At least 12 on locally designated property (cities or counties may set a higher age).

Speed limit or cap

None in statute

Motor power cap

None in statute

License, registration, insurance

Local registration and proof of liability insurance required on designated property.

Also worth knowing

Fines: $100-$200 plus seizure for a first offense, rising to $500-$750, forfeiture and community service. Riding on private property requires the owner's consent.

Not addressed in statute. We found no New Jersey statute that covers this vehicle by name or by a definition that clearly fits it. That isn't permission: police and cities may treat it under another category. Unicycles are not named. The 'motorized scooter' definition (N.J.S.A. 39:1-1) ends with 'other vehicles with motors not manufactured in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards'. That wording may reach an electric unicycle, which would ban it from public streets and sidewalks (39:4-14.12), but the statute does not say so. The self-balancing device definition (39:4-14.10) requires two wheels.