Bill
Bill > S3167
NJ S3167
NJ S3167Allows persons operating bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, or low-speed electric scooter involved in accident to be eligible for personal injury protection benefits; requires crash reports for accidents.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides that the operator of a bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter is a "pedestrian" for purposes of determining eligibility for personal injury protection benefits under an automobile insurance policy. Under current law, only certain persons, including those who are "pedestrians," are eligible to receive personal injury protection benefits for injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident. The term "pedestrian" is defined in current law to mean any person who is not occupying, entering into, or alighting from a vehicle propelled by other than muscular power and designed primarily for use on highways, rails and tracks. This bill is in response to a recent decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court, Goyco v. Progressive Ins. Co., A-12-23, 088497, 2024 N.J. Lexis 388 (May 14, 2024), in which the Court determined that the operator of a low-speed electric scooter is not a "pedestrian" and is therefore ineligible for personal injury protection benefits. In addition, the bill incorporates low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters into the various parts of existing law requiring crash reports.
AI Summary
This bill expands eligibility for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, which are typically provided under automobile insurance policies to cover medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, to include operators of bicycles, low-speed electric bicycles, and low-speed electric scooters. Currently, only individuals defined as "pedestrians" are eligible for these benefits, and a recent court decision determined that operators of low-speed electric scooters do not fit this definition. This legislation amends the definition of "pedestrian" to explicitly include these individuals, ensuring they can receive PIP benefits if injured in an accident. Additionally, the bill updates existing laws to require crash reports for accidents involving low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters, ensuring that these incidents are properly documented and investigated.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3167 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3167_I1.HTM |
Loading...