laws in new jersey?

[sona1111]

Hey, as a few of you know i have been working on a DIY ebike project for some time now, and i am currently disappointed and confused about the laws regarding them in the state i live in, new jersey. First of all, it seems very confusing so far and i am not completely sure they are not allowed at all or whats going on. (or who wrote these laws )

Does anyone else here live in new jersey? do you people have problems with authorities or not even care at all? if their is a way to be legal, what is it?

If this is a situation where its a definite no with no possible solutions, im going to be P.O.d

(though thinking about it now i should have fully researched this before i spent any money on it :?)

 

[mwkeefer]

Some people have had issues in NJ, most have not...

If you have pedals and keep the speed around 20mph you should have no issues.

There are federal eBike Laws which state:

1.) No more than 1 HP
2.) No power assist past 20mph
3.) The 20mph maximum powered speed is with a 170lb rider on a flat roadway

If you keep your limits here, then you can use the Federal Law exemption which prevents the "classification" of eBikes as "Motor Vehicles"... That is what NJ tries to do, they attempt to classify eBikes as Motor Vehicles which according to the Federal Government, they cannot do.

Best of luck!

-Mike

PS: Remember NJ troopers are a PITA... where in NJ do you live / plan to ride?

 

[ErbiumYAG]

I live at the shore and have been riding my ebike for nine months now. I've been in plain view of police officers many times; and they haven't given me a second look. However, I am careful to obey all traffic laws and bicycle laws. I always ride with traffic. I stop at stop signs and red lights. I avoid sidewalks at all cost. I have an exceptionally bright homemade lighting system and two SuperFlash rear lights. I even have a MegaHorn horn. Finally when I ride, I'm not all over the road. I think if you ride and treat others with respect, you'll be treated likewise.

 

[mwkeefer]

You could slap DOT approved tires on it (think motorcycle or moped class), turn signals, brake lights - you already have a headlight and horn - oh yea, mirror (one at least) and then register it in NJ as an experimental vehicle. That would even get you a plate and then you could smile as you rode past the cops.

Seriously, unless your build is grossly obvious or you go around like your a 13yr old on a BMX hopping from sidewalk to street... you should not have problems with the Law.

I only know three people who were nailed and charged for riding on an eBike in NJ - two were idiots riding along side 55 I think (maybe it's 45) major shore route though in and out of the grass and woodline (if you know Jersey you know the troopers hate guys on MotoCross bikes in the woods), one was doing about 35 without pedaling (I think).

I think the previous poster has it right, just ride with common sense and obey the traffic laws.

-Mike

 

[Rifle]

Some people have had issues in NJ, most have not...

If you have pedals and keep the speed around 20mph you should have no issues.

There are federal eBike Laws which state:

1.) No more than 1 HP
2.) No power assist past 20mph
3.) The 20mph maximum powered speed is with a 170lb rider on a flat roadway

If you keep your limits here, then you can use the Federal Law exemption which prevents the "classification" of eBikes as "Motor Vehicles"... That is what NJ tries to do, they attempt to classify eBikes as Motor Vehicles which according to the Federal Government, they cannot do.

Best of luck!

-Mike

PS: Remember NJ troopers are a PITA... where in NJ do you live / plan to ride?

Unless they've made new laws, those are mainly consumer product guidelines and do not apply to roadways.

 

[dogman dan]

I agree, the fed ebike laws only regulate the sale of ebikes. Thier use is controlled by state and local county or city ordinances.

Which leads to lots of confusion, particularly on the part of the cops who may have it backwards,,,, But,,,,,

The cops do know a jackass when they see one. So a slightly stealthy bike would help, and if you ride courteously and obey the local riding laws for bicycles you should fly under the radar just fine.