Bill > S731

Introduced Session

This bill expressly permits the operation of low-speed electric bicycles in this State. Under the bill, low-speed electric bicycles may be operated on streets, highways, sidewalks, and bicycle paths. An operator of a low-speed electric bicycle is not required to register the low-speed electric bicycle, furnish proof of insurance, or have a driver's license. The bill further provides that all statutes, including the provisions of chapter 4 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes, rules, and regulations that are applicable to bicycles are to apply to low-speed electric bicycles. The bill defines a low-speed electric bicycle as a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by a motor while operated by a person weighing 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour. The bill also clarifies that the definitions of a motor vehicle, motorcycle, motorized bicycle, and motorized scooter do not include a low-speed electric bicycle.

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Committee Categories

Timothy Eustace (D)*,  Linda Greenstein (D)*,  Jamel Holley (D)*,  Raj Mukherji (D)*,  Shirley Turner (D)*,  Nicholas Chiaravalloti (D),  Vin Gopal (D),  Nancy Pinkin (D),  Kevin Rooney (R),  Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D), 

Approved P.L.2019, c.121. (on 05/13/2019)