SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 731

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 11, 2018

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 731.

      As reported, this bill permits the operation of low-speed electric bicycles, which may be operated on streets, highways, sidewalks, and bicycle paths in this State.  Under the bill, 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.

     This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2018-2019 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.