WEST CAPE MAY — The borough has joined its neighboring communities moving toward regulation of electric bicycles and other vehicles.
The Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance Oct. 29 that would establish regulations governing the operation of E-bikes and scooters.
Mayor Carol Sabo said Lower Township introduced the same ordinance and shared it with Cape May and Cape May Point so the communities have unifying language.
Deputy Mayor Dick George attended Cape May’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee’s meeting in October, when the original ordinance was discussed.
The committee endorsed Lower Township’s ordinance, and the borough’s new ordinance will mirror the original.
Cape May introduced the same regulations this month.
“It’s the limit of what we can do as a municipality at this point,” Dick said. “There are still some legislation in the Assembly that can get passed that would further strengthen this issue in terms of potentially licensing electric bikes.”
Senate bill S2292 and Assembly bill A5295 would require registration of low-speed E-bikes through the Motor Vehicle Commission and update E-bike classifications.
In 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission calculated that injuries related to such devices increased by 22 percent from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2022, children 14 years and under accounted for 36 percent of those injuries.
This has become a statewide issue, causing residents to advocate for stricter regulations.
GLK Law trial attorney Avinoam Laby specializes in medical malpractice and personal injury litigation. In recent years, he began working with families who have been affected by electric bike accidents.
“As a personal injury attorney, I have worked with countless families in catastrophic E-bike accident claims,” Laby said. “In 2019, New Jersey established a separate category for low-speed E-bikes, Class 1 and 2, allowing them to be treated like traditional bicycles, which do not require a license, registration or insurance.”
Laby’s firm is closely monitoring the pending legislation.
“In 2024 and 2025, lawmakers introduced Senate bill S2292, which would require low-speed E-bikes to be registered and insured,” Laby said. “Other pending or proposed bills address E-bike classification, battery standards and charging safety. Pending and future legislation should include clear, enforceable training standards for teen riders.”
Laby explained that strong, uniform product safety standards (UL-style) for batteries and E-bike systems could reduce fire risks and mechanical failures.
Tom Roth, owner of Cape Island Bikes in Cape May, brings a different perspective to the E-bike conversation after 30 years in the bicycle industry.
“It seems like all this new legislation has good intentions, but they’re penalizing the vast majority who obey the law,” Roth said. “They’re not going for the unsafe E-bike sellers. If you want to stop it from happening again, stop it from how it’s happening.”
Roth’s bike shop sells and rents electric bicycles in addition to pedal-powered models. He said when buying from a store that specializes in electric bikes, consumers know they’re receiving a safely built and regulated bike.
“An Amazon E-bike is built by an uncertified person without the proper tools,” Roth said. “I’m very pro-bike shop on this because bike shops will educate buyers on the rules of the road, who needs a helmet and what speeds are allowed. None of this is happening with the channels that are selling the E-bikes.”
Laby explained that Amazon and other online retailers are the most common source he sees for the vehicles.
“Generally, teen riders often purchase their E-bikes online through Amazon or brand websites due to their low prices and fast delivery,” Laby said. “Unfortunately, recalled or budget models are also sold through these platforms.”
Roth explained that lack of education plays a part in E-bike-related injuries. Consumers are not receiving the important knowledge they need before stepping on an E-bike unless they buy from a proper source.
“Education on what makes a safe E-bike isn’t happening right now,” Roth said. “I think they’re going after the wrong channel. The E-bike doesn’t kill somebody; the people do. We’re chasing the wrong solution, and this is just putting a Band-Aid on it.”
Laby is prioritizing closing the gaps in New Jersey legislation that are leading to accidents. Similar to Roth, Laby explained that E-bike riders need more education and training than they are receiving.
“Currently, New Jersey does not require any statewide training or licensing for Class 1 or 2 E-bike riders, even though these bikes travel faster and weigh more than traditional pedal bikes,” Laby said.
A Class 1 E-bike has pedal assist and can travel at speed up to 20 mph. Class 2 E-bikes have a throttle and pedal assist up to 20 mph. A Class 3 model has pedal assist up to 28 mph and throttle up to 20 mph.
Both Roth and Laby agree that there are safe ways to ride E-bikes.
“Teens can safely ride E-bikes by treating them like motorized vehicles and not toys,” Laby said. “It’s important to match the right bike to the rider. Teens should stick to Class 1 or 2 low-speed E-bikes and avoid higher-speed moped-class vehicles.”
Similarly, Roth explained that he is seeing young people riding unclassified E-bikes.
“You’re also seeing a bunch of bikes beyond class, which are motorcycles being passed off as E-bikes,” Roth said.
By JULIA DiGERONIMO/For the Star and Wave
