New Jersey Senate Bill S3044

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/24
• Refer: 4/8/24

Caption

Requires testing of electrical systems of certain electric bicycles, powered mobility devices, and batteries prior to sale, rental, lease, or other distribution to consumers.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would significantly alter regulations surrounding the sale and distribution of electric bicycles and mobility devices in New Jersey. By establishing specific safety testing protocols, the bill seeks to ensure that only compliant products reach consumers, thereby reducing the risks of electrical failures or accidents caused by substandard equipment. This could lead to an increased burden on manufacturers and retailers to validate their products, creating an environment of heightened accountability within the industry.

Summary

Senate Bill S3044 aims to enhance consumer safety by requiring that the electrical systems of certain low-speed electric bicycles, powered mobility devices, and their associated batteries undergo testing for compliance with safety standards before they can be sold, rented, or leased. Specifically, the bill mandates that these products must be tested by an accredited laboratory, with the results displayed prominently for consumers. This legislation is a response to the increasing prevalence of electric bicycles and mobility devices in the consumer market and the potential safety risks associated with non-compliant electrical systems.

Contention

Notably, the bill specifies that violations would incur penalties, starting with a written warning for a first offense and escalating to fines of up to $1,000 for subsequent violations within two years. The enforcement mechanism also allows the Department of Transportation to seek injunctive relief through civil action. This approach has sparked some debate regarding the balance between consumer safety and business regulation, with concerns about potential overreach and the implications for small businesses in the sector.