New Jersey Senate Bill S2292

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 2/15/24
• Refer: 2/15/24

Caption

Requires low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters to be registered with MVC and to be insured.

Impact

With the enactment of S2292, owners of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters will need to maintain certain levels of liability insurance, as outlined by the bill. This aligns electric bicycles and scooters more closely with traditional motor vehicles in terms of regulatory oversight. Registration certificates will be issued to owners upon payment of an $8 fee, with the registration set to expire 11 months after issuance. This could enhance road safety by ensuring that operators are properly insured and registered, thereby potentially reducing the financial burden on pedestrians involved in accidents.

Summary

Senate Bill S2292 seeks to amend existing New Jersey laws regarding low-speed electric bicycles and electric scooters by requiring their registration with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and mandating insurance coverage. The bill outlines that no individual shall operate a low-speed electric bicycle or scooter without proper registration and insurance, which includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. This seeks to bolster consumer protection and accountability among users of these vehicles as their popularity grows on roadways.

Contention

While the intent of the bill is to enhance safety, there may be contention regarding the imposition of registration and insurance requirements on owners, particularly those who use low-speed electric bicycles or scooters for recreational purposes. Critics may argue that adding such regulations could deter users from these environmentally friendly transport options. There could also be debates about how this bill affects local municipalities' abilities to regulate such vehicles on their own, particularly with respect to where these vehicles can be operated.