New laws on e-bikes – bicycles equipped with electric motors and rechargeable batteries – are now in effect in the township.
The term “e-bike” commonly refers to both low-speed electric bicycles and motorized bicycles. The former are pedal assisted with a helper motor that only provides assistance while pedaling up to 20 mph. The latter is also pedal assisted, with either an engine under 50 cubic centimeters; an electric motor that provides assistance while pedaling or with a throttle up to 28 mph; or an electric motor that provides assistance while using a throttle, up to 15 mph.
E-bikes usage and laws have been a contentious topic in Evesham. Last October, John Volpa, a Marlton resident and the founder of Black Run Preserve, has spoken out about the hazards posed by the increasingly popular types of bikes to hikers on the preserve’s trails, and to their youthful operators.
“(E-bike riders) have created a new network of trails, which has degraded and rutted the soil, while also cutting down trees to make those trails,” he said.
The new law took effect in January but wasn’t enforced until July 19, following a six-month grace period. A one-year waiver of registration and licensing fees is in effect until next January.
At a Jan. 21 council meeting, Police Chief Thomas Reinholt described the laws as “monumental change” and said the new requirements are “treating e-bikes like mopeds at this point for licensing, for registration, for insurance.”
“Our goal now at this point is to educate the public, and educate parents, and educate the juveniles on what this law means now and what they are going to have to do as a result of it,” he added. “So, we’re working closely with the school districts to get that message out through our social media and through other means.”
The new laws require riders to be at least 15 years old and have either an e-bike license or a valid driver license. All e-bikes in the state must be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). Only motorized bicycles are required to have insurance coverage; low-speed electric bicycles do not. Helmets are also mandatory.
E-bike riders can now schedule initial permit appointments at NJMVC licensing centers to begin the process of obtaining a license if they are at least 15 and don’t already possess a state driver license. Individuals who already have a valid driver’s license (ages 17 and up) don’t need a separate license to ride an e-bike.
Individuals who don’t already have a driver’s license will have to complete a multi-step process that includes obtaining a permit, passing a knowledge test, practicing e-bike operation and passing a road test before receiving their e-bike license.
Individuals under 18 will also need to provide a completed parent consent form if they are not accompanied by a guardian at their appointment. Upon registering the e-bike, riders will receive two license plate stickers to affix and display on both sides of the e-bike’s front fork.
To register an e-bike, customers need to complete an ownership and registration form and provide proof of identity; proof of liability insurance (only for registering motorized bicycles); and proof of ownership, which may include a manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO), purchase receipt, notarized bill of sale or affidavit from the current owner.
E-Bike license and registration appointments are available on the NJMVC website. The specific requirements, and step-by-step instructions, for e-bike licensing and registration are outlined on the agency’s e-bike webpage.
For more information on e-bike laws, visit www.nj.gov/mvc/vehicletopics/ebike.html
