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Bill

A 3697

Requires low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters to be insured and registered with MVC; requires MVC to develop safety training module for registration.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Don Guardian

New Jersey would require e-bikes and e-scooters to be registered, insured, and require safety training, creating oversight but risking reduced access and cost barriers for users.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 3697

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 3697 mandates that low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters be registered with New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and carry insurance. The bill also requires the MVC to develop a safety training module that users must complete as part of the registration process.

Why is this important

E-bikes and e-scooters have surged in popularity as urban transportation, but lack standardized safety oversight comparable to traditional vehicles. This bill attempts to create accountability and safety standards for a growing segment of riders who may have minimal training, potentially reducing accidents and clarifying liability in collisions or injuries.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden vs. accessibility: Registration and insurance requirements may discourage casual users and low-income riders from using e-bikes/scooters, potentially undermining sustainable transportation goals and equity in micromobility access.
  • Definitional clarity: "Low-speed" thresholds for e-bikes and scooters vary; unclear boundaries could create enforcement confusion and disputes over which devices require registration.
  • Insurance market readiness: Insurance companies may lack products designed for e-scooters and e-bikes, or premiums could be prohibitively expensive relative to device cost, making compliance impractical for many users.
  • Implementation costs: The bill doesn't specify funding for MVC to develop training modules and handle registration infrastructure for potentially hundreds of thousands of devices.

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

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