Last Thursday, the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee favorably reported A-6235, which regulates motorized bicycles.
The bill redefines and expands the classification of “motorized bicycle” to include a pedal bicycle with fully operable pedals and 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. Under the bill, a person has six months following the bill’s effective date to register, insure, and become licensed to operate a motorized bicycle that was not classified as a motorized bicycle before the bill’s effective date.
A person is required to be 17 years of age or older with a valid basic driver’s license issued by the commission to operate a motorized bicycle. A person under the age of 17 may operate a motorized bicycle if the person is at least 15 years of age and is in possession of a valid motorized bicycle license. Under current law, a person who is in possession of a valid driver’s license of any class or is 15 years of age or older and in possession of a motorized bicycle license may operate a motorized bicycle.
The bill requires any law enforcement officer investigating an accident involving a motorized bicycle to report the accident to the Department of Transportation and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
Finally, the bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and the Department of Transportation to prepare and submit an annual report to the Legislature concerning all information collected concerning motorized bicycles in this State.
The League adopted a conference resolution consistent and in support of the legislation. The bill has currently been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, and we will continue to advise you on developments.
Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.