This bill proposes to reclassify nearly all e-bikes as motorized bicycles, which would impose the same requirements for registration, licensing, and insurance as mopeds. This legislative move will have serious unintended consequences for the many people in our New Jersey community who rely on e-bikes every day for commutes to school, work, the train, and simple mobility around town.

The burden of S-4834 will fall hardest on the working-class individuals who leverage this affordable, sustainable form of transportation to navigate their daily lives. Requiring registration and insurance not only increases financial strain but also creates unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that deter individuals from using e-bikes. Those who choose e-bikes do so for their cost-effectiveness, convenience, and environmental benefits. By reclassifying e-bikes as mopeds, the state would hinder these benefits and discourage use, ultimately putting more cars on the road and increasing environmental pollution.

Statistically, e-bikes represent a small percentage of road traffic incidents compared to traditional vehicles, indicating that this classification is neither necessary for safety nor justified by present data. Furthermore, many states and cities across the country are embracing the use of e-bikes as an integral part of their sustainable transport initiatives. New Jersey should follow this positive trend, supporting environmental sustainability and reducing road congestion rather than imposing punitive restrictions.

I urge the legislature to consider the broader implications of Senate Bill 4834. Let us instead focus on strengthening infrastructure that supports all modes of sustainable transport, ensuring safety for all without penalizing e-bike users. Please listen to the voices of community members, local advocacy groups, and everyday e-bike riders who depend on this transportation method daily.

By signing this petition, we urge lawmakers to oppose Senate Bill 4834 and instead promote policies aligned with environmental sustainability, economic fairness, and modern transportation needs. Your support is crucial in preserving the freedom and accessibility of e-bikes for all New Jersey residents.