E-Bike Accidents in New Jersey Continue as State Cracks Down on Riders

The beginning of the new year has brought plenty of new e-bike accidents in New Jersey. In response to this growing issue, the state has enacted some of the toughest e-bike laws in the entire nation. Will these new laws actually keep riders safe? Do they address the core root of the issue? One thing is certain: E-bike accidents will probably continue to occur in New Jersey, and victims will continue to die or suffer life-altering injuries. If you were involved in one of these e-bike accidents, an auto injury lawyer may be able to help. Lawyers may also offer meaningful assistance if you need to file a wrongful death claim after a fatal e-bike accident.

Arrest Made After Fatal Hit-and-Run E-Bike Accident in Mount Laurel

In early January of 2026, authorities announced that they had arrested a man in connection to a fatal e-bike accident in Mount Laurel Township. The crash claimed the life of a 49-year-old New Jersey resident. Police say that they arrived at the crash scene shortly after midnight to find the victim lying lifeless on the side of the road. Authorities also noted that the e-bike rider was probably on the shoulder of the road when the fatal impact occurred.

Fortunately, investigators were able to retrieve surveillance footage from nearby businesses and identify the vehicle that struck the rider. Based on the footage, investigators determined that the Jeep had dragged the victim for a quarter of a mile before finally coming to a stop. The Jeep also appeared to return to the crash scene before fleeing.

Police were able to locate the Jeep driver in Lyndhurst and take him into custody. According to the police, the defendant is a California man who now faces charges of second-degree vehicular homicide and second-degree leaving the scene of an accident. Investigators noted that while nothing will ever bring back the deceased victim, the capture of the man responsible at least gives his family a certain degree of closure.

Police Release Video of Fatal E-Bike Crash in Atlantic Highlands

Also in January, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office released a video of a fatal e-bike crash involving a police vehicle. The crash occurred earlier in 2025, and it left a 73-year-old rider dead. The footage shows the e-bike slamming into the side of the police vehicle as it makes a right-hand turn onto a highway. The police officer behind the wheel had a red light when he attempted the turn.

Because the police vehicle was in the process of making a right-hand turn, the question is whether he failed to yield to the e-bike rider. As a general rule, right-turning drivers are supposed to shoulder-check for cyclists in their blind spots. In contrast, one might argue that a cyclist has the right of way in this scenario.

There is no word on whether the police officer in question will face any legal consequences in connection to the fatal crash. However, the release of the footage is certainly generating buzz, and it may cause people to ask very uncomfortable questions for the local police department. Crucially, the footage could potentially lead to a wrongful death lawsuit against the officer and his police department.

New Jersey Enacts New E-Bike Laws

Although the recent crashes certainly deserve attention, the most significant development in the e-bike space has been the passing of a new set of laws in New Jersey. Under the new laws, all e-bike riders must register their e-bikes in the same way they would a moped or motorcycle. Class 2 and 3 e-bikes now fall into the legal category of “motorized bicycles,” and riders must obtain insurance before they take these vehicles on public roads.

The restrictions continue. Everyone over the age of 17 must obtain a driver’s license before riding their e-bikes. Those under the age of 15 are completely banned from riding e-bikes.

Can a New Jersey E-Bike Accident Lawyer Help Me?

E-bike accidents in New Jersey can affect riders, their families, and entire communities. While many of these accidents are clearly caused by negligent drivers, New Jersey’s new e-bike laws seem to target riders instead. Since these laws are so new, it’s not clear how they might affect e-bike accident lawsuits going forward. However, families should at least explore their legal options with experienced lawyers before giving up hope on justice and compensation. Although new insurance and registration requirements could be frustrating for many riders, these measures may make it easier to pursue compensation in the event of an accident. Contact Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. today for further guidance.