Hooray for NJ not adopting the Class standards as being pushed by the BPSA via their lobbying arm PFB. Here are the relevant clauses:
"Low-speed electric bicycle" means a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by a motor while operated by a person weighing 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour.
"Motorized bicycle" means a pedal bicycle having a helper motor characterized in that either the maximum piston displacement is less than 50 cc. or said motor is rated at no more than 1.5 brake horsepower or is powered by an electric drive motor and said bicycle is capable of a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour on a flat surface. This term shall not include a low-speed electric bicycle as defined in this section.
"Motorcycle" includes motorcycles, autocycles, motor bikes, bicycles with motor attached and all motor-operated vehicles of the bicycle or tricycle type, except motorized bicycles and low-speed electric bicycles as defined in this section, whether the motive power be a part thereof or attached thereto and having a saddle or seat with driver sitting astride or upon it or a platform on which the driver stands.
"Motorized scooter" means a miniature motor vehicle and includes, but is not limited to, pocket bikes, super pocket bikes, scooters, mini-scooters, sport scooters, mini choppers, mini motorcycles, motorized skateboards and other vehicles with motors not manufactured in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and which have no permanent Federal Safety Certification stickers affixed to the vehicle by the original manufacturer. This term shall not include: electric personal assistive mobility devices, motorized bicycles [or] , low-speed vehicles, or low-speed electric bicycles; or motorized wheelchairs, mobility scooters or similar mobility assisting devices used by persons with physical disabilities, or persons whose ambulatory mobility has been impaired by age or illness.
2. (New section) a. A low-speed electric bicycle, as defined in R.S.39:1-1, may be operated on the streets, highways, sidewalks, and bicycle paths of this State.
b. The operator of a low-speed electric bicycle shall not be required to register the low-speed electric bicycle, furnish proof of insurance, or have a driver's license.
c. All statutes, including the provisions of chapter 4 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes, rules, and regulations applicable to bicycles, as defined in section 1 of P.L.1991, c.465 (C.39:4-10.1), shall apply to low-speed electric bicycles.
3. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill expressly permits the operation of low-speed electric bicycles in this State. Under the bill, low-speed electric bicycles may be operated on streets, highways, sidewalks, and bicycle paths. An operator of a low-speed electric bicycle is not required to register the low-speed electric bicycle, furnish proof of insurance, or have a driver's license.
The bill further provides that all statutes, including the provisions of chapter 4 of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes, rules, and regulations that are applicable to bicycles are to apply to low-speed electric bicycles.
The bill defines a low-speed electric bicycle as a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by a motor while operated by a person weighing 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour.
The bill also clarifies that the definitions of a motor vehicle, motorcycle, motorized bicycle, and motorized scooter do not include a low-speed electric bicycle.