New Jersey's overhauled e-bike law takes effect Sunday, July 19, imposing new licensing, registration, and age requirements on riders statewide. The Millburn Police Department says it will actively enforce the rules, including the existing helmet mandate for anyone under 17.

The department re-issued its e-mobility safety advisory on Wednesday, July 15, spelling out what officers will watch for: helmet compliance for riders under 17, the four-foot Safe Passing Law for drivers, and unsafe riding behavior. The department said particularly egregious violations may result in a summons, though officers will use discretion. The advisory also emphasized education, with the Community Policing Unit planning safety presentations at school assemblies and community events.

The law, signed by Gov. Phil Murphy on Jan. 19, requires e-bike owners to register their bikes, obtain a motorized bicycle license, and in some cases carry insurance. Riders must be at least 15 with a motorized bicycle license or 17 with a standard driver's license. No one under 15 may ride an e-bike at all.

The law defines two classes: low-speed e-bikes, where the motor assists only while pedaling and cuts off at 20 mph, require registration but not insurance. Throttle-capable motorized bicycles that reach 28 mph require both registration and insurance.

One problem for residents trying to comply: as of late June, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission had not set up a way to register e-bikes online. The MVC said it would begin taking appointments only after the July 19 grace period ends. Whether registration is available as of July 15 has not been confirmed.

The law was adopted after a 13-year-old Scotch Plains boy was killed in a collision with a landscaping truck while riding an e-bike. Senate President Nick Scutari, the bill's lead sponsor, said at the January signing that e-bikes' popularity with young people "coupled with their inexperience as operators, puts them at greater risk."

The advisory, posted on the Millburn Township website, lays out responsibilities for three groups:

Riders must wear helmets, follow all traffic laws, ride on the right side of the road with traffic, avoid erratic movements, and use reflectors or bike lights at night.

Drivers must pass cyclists and e-mobility users with at least four feet of clearance under the Safe Passing Law. The department urged motorists to never drive distracted and to anticipate riders' movements.

Parents should talk to children about safe riding, require helmets for anyone under 17, and equip bikes with lights for nighttime use. The department also urged parents to understand the risks before purchasing an e-bike or e-scooter.

Officers will also offer positive reinforcement for riders making safe choices, the department said.

In neighboring Livingston, the police department announced on Tuesday, June 23, that it launched an interactive compliance checklist at livingstonnj.org/EBike. The tool lets residents verify whether they meet the new law's requirements.

Residents with questions about e-bike safety can contact the Millburn Police Department or use the Livingston checklist here.