ASSEMBLY PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 6235

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 11, 2025

      The Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 6235.

      This bill expands the types of bicycles that are regulated as motorized bicycles in this State by: (1) removing all classifications of electric bicycles; (2) removing references to “low-speed electric bicycle” from current law; and (3) redefining and expanding the classification of “motorized bicycle” to include a pedal bicycle with fully-operable pedals and an electric motor that can provide assistance when the rider is pedaling or that, through the use of a throttle, can be used to exclusively propel the bicycle. 

      By designating all pedal bicycles with electric motors as motorized bicycles, the bill requires these bicycles to comply with the provisions of current law concerning motorized bicycles, including, but not limited to, requiring the person owning or operating one of these bicycles to obtain insurance, a license, and registration.  Under current law, a person may operate a motorized bicycle if the person: (1) possesses a valid driver’s license of any class; or (2) is 15 years of age or older and possesses a motorized bicycle license. 

      For any motorized bicycle that was not classified as a motorized bicycle prior to the bill’s effective date, a person has six months following the bill’s effective date to register, insure, and become licensed to operate the motorized bicycle.  Under the bill, all examination, registration, and licensing fees required to operate a newly classified motorized bicycle are waived for one year following the bill’s effective date. 

      A motorized bicycle that was not required to be registered prior to the bill’s effective date may be registered by affidavit under certain circumstances.  The bill makes it a crime of the fourth degree to knowingly submit a false affidavit or false documentation regarding proof of ownership of a motorized bicycle.  A fourth-degree crime is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

      In addition, the bill amends N.J.S.A.39:4-92.4 to include “motorized bicycle” in the term “personal conveyance,” which will require the operator of a motor vehicle to approach a motorized bicycle with due caution and to change lanes, leave a safe distance, or slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching and passing a motorized bicycle.  

      Under the bill, a law enforcement officer investigating an accident involving any motorized bicycle is required to report the accident to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and the Department of Transportation. 

      Finally, the bill requires the MVC and the Department of Transportation to prepare and submit to the Legislature an annual report containing all information collected concerning motorized bicycles in this State.