“On Thursday, the New Jersey Senate Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on bill S2292, which would require riders of low-speed e-bikes and scooters to register their vehicles with the state and potentially expose themselves and others to danger. It requires a person to have liability insurance that covers him/her in the event of a collision. ”
According to Streetsblog USA’s Kea Wilson, this insurance doesn’t even exist yet, and the law could have a “chilling effect” on all micromobility, including human-powered vehicles like bicycles. “However, serious crashes involving these modes are relatively rare, with the National Transportation Safety Board documenting only 119 fatal crashes involving e-bikes between 2017 and 2021. However, there were 192,709 fatal crashes caused by drivers, so advocates say this law will only increase the barriers to human-scale mobility already set high by traffic violence. Meanwhile, the climate, equity, and safety goals that slow modes can help communities achieve are undermined. ”
In Europe, e-bikes do not meet the same requirements as high-speed vehicles because they are “not propelled solely by mechanical power.” Advocates say New Jersey and other states should update the definition of “pedestrian” to include low-speed transportation options, rather than requiring insurance similar to automobiles.
Matt Moore, general policy advisor for People for Bikes, said the bill could set a dangerous precedent. People who don’t use pedal assist should also have insurance, and other communities could easily follow suit. ”