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Electric Bicycles and Motorized Bicycles - Assembly Bill No. 6235
By January 29, 2026 Posted in Community Association Law Share
Recently, Governor Murphy signed into law Assembly Bill No. 6235, updating the classification and regulation of electric bicycles and motorized bicycles. This legislation responds to the increasing number of electric bike accidents and is designed to improve the safety for riders, pedestrians, and other motorists.
The new law removes the previous separate classifications of electric bicycles and expands the definition of motorized bicycles. Many types of electric bicycles that were previously unregulated are now classified as motorized bicycles under New Jersey state law.
Under the bill a motorized bicycle is now defined as a pedal bicycle equipped with
- A helper motor characterized in that either the maximum piston displacement is less than 50 cubic centimeters, or the helper motor is rated at no more than 1.5 brake horsepower; or
- An electric motor that can provide assistance when the rider is pedaling or that, through the use of a throttle, can be used to exclusively propel the bicycle to a speed of not more than 15 miles per hour; or
- A helper motor that is powered by an electric drive motor that provides assistance when the rider is pedaling and has a maximum speed between 21 miles per hour and 28 miles per hour on a flat surface; or
- An electric motor that is capable of propelling the bicycle in excess of 15 miles per hour through the use of a throttle with a maximum motor-powered speed of no more than 28 miles per hour on a flat surface.
This definition specifically excludes low-speed bicycles and low speed electric scooters.
Under the new law, to be able to operate a motorized bicycle a person must be at least 17 years old with a valid basic driver's license issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Those under the age of 17 may operate a motorized bicycle if the person is at least 15 years old and has a valid motorized bike license.
The law also requires that motorized bicycles be registered with the Motor Vehicle Commission and that riders carry their driver’s license, insurance identification card and registration certificate while operating the bicycles. Owners have six months from the law's effective date to register, insure and obtain the proper license for motorized bicycles that were previously unregulated. Violations of this requirement can result in fines of up to $50.
Additionally, the new law prohibits anyone from riding electric bikes from dusk to dawn without a reflector installed.
The legislation also has implications for condominium communities, which often regulate the storage and use of electric bicycles. Since the law now formally classifies more types of electric bicycles as motorized bicycles, Boards should keep this in mind when adopting or enforcing policies related to electric bicycles. Further, Boards should consider reviewing any rules and regulations and/or resolutions regarding this matter.
The information in this Client Alert is provided solely for information purposes. It should not be construed as legal advice on any specific matter and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. The information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular circumstances. Each legal matter is unique, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.