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Clifton Public Schools

A Community of Learners

New E-Bike Laws

Posted Date: 08/10/26 (02:05 PM)
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Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Community Members,

Clifton Public Schools and the Clifton Police Department are reaching out jointly to inform our community about significant updates to New Jersey's electric bicycle (e-bike) laws that went into effect on July 19, 2026.

With the growing popularity of e-bikes among students traveling to and from school, these state safety regulations have been enacted to ensure the well-being of riders, pedestrians, and motorists alike.

Key Highlights of the New Law:

  • Age Requirement: Riders must be at least 15 years old to operate any e-bike in New Jersey. Children under 15 are legally prohibited from riding e-bikes on public streets and sidewalks.

  • Licensing Requirements:

    • Ages 15–16: Riders must possess a valid motorized bicycle (moped) license issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC).

    • Ages 17 and older: Riders must hold either a valid basic driver’s license or a motorized bicycle license.

  • Registration & Licensing Plates: All e-bikes must be registered through the NJMVC and display the required license plate sticker.

  • Insurance Requirements: Liability insurance coverage is required for throttle-assisted and higher-speed models.

  • Helmets & Equipment: Riders must wear Department of Transportation (DOT) approved motorcycle helmets, as bicycle helmets do not meet these requirements. Additionally, e-bikes equipped with foot pegs rather than pedals are classified differently: operators must be at least 17 years old, possess a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement, and ensure the vehicle is properly registered and insured.

What Parents & Students Need to Do:

  1. Verify Compliance: Ensure your child meets the legal age and licensing requirements before allowing them to ride an e-bike to school or around the community.

  2. Register Your E-Bike: Visit the NJMVC E-Bike Information Page to complete mandatory registration.

  3. Review Safe Riding Habits: Remind riders to obey all traffic signals, yield to pedestrians, wear a fitted helmet at all times, and avoid reckless riding behavior.

School & Enforcement Notice:

Starting this school year, the Clifton Police Department will be conducting education and enforcement checks across the municipality, including near school zones. Unregistered e-bikes or e-bikes operated by unlicensed or underage individuals may be subject to warnings, fines, or impoundment in accordance with state regulations.

We appreciate your cooperation and partnership in keeping our school neighborhoods and roadways safe for everyone.

Sincerely,

Danny Robertozzi, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, Clifton Public Schools

Thomas Rinaldi, Chief of Police, Clifton Police DepartmentE-Bike Law Guidelines