The Electric Bicycle
N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.16 — streets, highways and bicycle paths, unless prohibited
In New Jersey, a low-speed electric bicycle may be operated on the streets, highways, roadways and bicycle paths of the State, except as the section and the laws it names provide, and may be parked on a sidewalk if it does not impede pedestrians or other traffic.
Paths and natural trails. A local government or State agency may prohibit low-speed electric bicycles on bicycle paths under its jurisdiction. Unless the authority permits it, one may not be ridden on a trail designated for non-motorized traffic with a natural surface tread.
No tampering. No one may tamper with or modify a low-speed electric bicycle so as to change its motor-powered speed capability or engagement.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionE-bikes may not be parked on sidewalks | What the law actually doesThey may, if they do not impede pedestrian or other traffic |
| The assumptionAny trail is open to an e-bike | What the law actually doesNot a non-motorized natural surface trail, unless permitted |
Local ordinances, park and trail rules, and the rules for mopeds, motor scooters and other motorized devices are not all on this page. Whether a particular machine is an electric bicycle under the definition is a question for a licensed New Jersey attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.16 — Operation of low-speed electric bicycle or scooter
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.