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A 5295

Relates to the reinstatement of state recognition and acknowledgement of the Montaukett Indian Nation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tommy John Schiavoni

Requires accredited testing and labeling for electric-bike batteries and charging systems, with 2026 (2028 for rentals) compliance, to boost safety and align with standards.

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Bill Summary · A 5295

Summary — A5295 (as reported by Assembly Transportation & Independent Authorities Committee)

Note: The bill metadata supplied names A5295 as relating to Montaukett tribal recognition, but the committee statement and bill text provided concern electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, batteries, and charging systems. This summary covers the content present in the documents (electric-bicycle safety, testing, and classification).

Purpose / Intent

To improve electrical and fire safety for electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, their batteries, and charging systems sold, leased, rented, or otherwise distributed in New Jersey by (1) requiring laboratory testing and certification of batteries and chargers, (2) establishing labeling and documentation requirements, (3) clarifying statutory definitions for electric-bicycle classes, and (4) directing the State Fire Marshal to adopt safety regulations.

Key provisions

  • Definitions

    • Creates distinct statutory definitions for:
    • "Class 1 electric bicycle": two-wheeled, pedals, saddle, electric motor <750 watts that assists only while pedaling and stops assistance at 20 mph.
    • "Class 2 electric bicycle": two-wheeled, pedals, saddle, electric motor <750 watts that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and stops assistance at 20 mph.
    • Replaces prior single term "low‑speed electric bicycle" with the two class definitions and updates related statutory references.

  • Testing, certification, and labeling

    • Requires that storage batteries used in class 1 or class 2 electric bicycles and in motorized bicycles be tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with the standards set forth in the bill.
    • Requires that charging systems used with these bicycles or batteries be tested by an accredited testing laboratory and be certified for use with the specified bicycle class and batteries.
    • Requires display on the bicycle, battery, or charging system of the accredited testing laboratory’s logo/wordmark/label/name and the applicable certification standard before sale, lease, or distribution.
    • Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers must, upon request, provide a true and accurate copy of the test report issued by the accredited testing laboratory.

  • Equipment and manufacturing standards

    • Requires class 1 and class 2 electric bicycles sold, leased, or rented in the State to comply with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles.

  • Enforcement timeline

    • Sellers, lessors, distributors (and similar) of class 1 & class 2 bicycles and batteries must comply with the testing and certification requirements by January 1, 2026.
    • Entities renting or offering for rental bicycles, batteries, or charging systems must comply by January 1, 2028.

  • State Fire Marshal

    • Directs the State Fire Marshal to prepare and adopt regulations to promote fire and electrical safety for class 1 and class 2 electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, and storage batteries.

  • Other technical changes

    • Committee amendments clarified labeling placement (permanently affixed, prominent location on frame), updated cross‑references, removed an earlier provision limiting motorized-bicycle motor-only operation and a 28 mph motor-powered limit, and added federal compliance language.

Who is affected

  • Manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, lessors, and rental businesses of electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, storage batteries, and charging systems — new testing/certification, labeling, and documentation duties.
  • Consumers — potentially greater assurance of battery/charger safety; possible price impacts.
  • State agencies (State Fire Marshal; agencies involved in enforcement and code/regulation adoption).

Procedural status & timeline

  • Introduced in Assembly: February 10, 2025 (referred to Assembly Transportation & Independent Authorities Committee).
  • Reported with committee amendments: February 13, 2025.
  • Passed Assembly: March 24, 2025; delivered to Senate and referred to Investigations and Government Operations and Judiciary in March 2025.
  • Passed Senate (substituted for companion S3308 and placed on 3rd Reading, Cal.1436): June 5, 2025.
  • Returned to Assembly: June 5, 2025.
  • Primary sponsor: Assemblyman Tommy Schiavoni. Companion bill: S3308.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Safety: Aims to reduce battery and charging-related fires and electrical hazards through standard testing and certification.
  • Compliance costs: Manufacturers, importers, retailers, and rental businesses will incur testing, certification, labeling, and record-keeping costs. Smaller sellers and rental operators may face a higher relative burden.
  • Market effects: Could limit availability of non‑compliant products, encourage supply of certified batteries and chargers, and align state requirements with federal CPSC standards.
  • Implementation: Effectiveness depends on the details of standards referenced, accreditation requirements for labs, enforcement approach, and the State Fire Marshal’s subsequent regulations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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