Controversy After E-Bike and Motorcycle Accidents in New Jersey

Two recent e-bike and motorcycle accidents in New Jersey have sparked public debate about safety and accountability. One might argue that with the growing speed of e-bikes, they are now effectively synonymous with motorcycles. On the other hand, the specific classification of two-wheeled vehicles is hardly a concern when the key safety issue is the negligence of other motorists. Do e-bike riders require more training and licensing? How can we hold drivers accountable when they flee the scene of motorcycle accidents? These are just a few of the questions being raised after two riders in New Jersey have lost their lives.

Teen’s E-Bike Fatality Sparks Major Safety Debate in New Jersey

In July 2025, a 14-year-old e-bike rider lost his life after a head-on collision with a vehicle. Police say that the teen was traveling at 40 miles per hour at the time of the accident, which is well above what many believe is possible for a small, electric bicycle. The vehicle that struck the teen had just pulled out of a gas station and was making a left turn across the rider’s path. In the immediate aftermath of the collision, local police noted that both drivers could theoretically face citations for the crash.

However, it soon became clear that this was impossible – at least in regard to the teen. The minor could not face a summons for the incident because he had passed away from blunt force trauma after being hospitalized. New Jersey officials took this opportunity to highlight the various dangers and safety regulations associated with e-bikes. These regulations vary depending on the “class” or maximum speed of the e-bike. While lower-speed e-bikes have relatively few requirements, Class 3 e-bikes have additional requirements, including age, license, insurance, and helmet requirements.

Local lawmakers say these rules aren’t enough. Some are proposing mandatory training requirements for all e-bike riders, and this is a direct response to the recent fatality. A new bill would create a mandatory safety course for anyone planning to ride a Class 1 or 2 e-bike, and it has bipartisan support. While the recent fatality may have spurred these lawmakers into action, the reality is that these changes were inevitable. This isn’t the first time someone has died while riding an e-bike, and this method of transport is becoming increasingly common across New Jersey and the entire nation.

Lawmakers also pointed out that while e-bike riders face various hazards, they also sometimes create dangers for other people, particularly pedestrians. Local officials are constantly receiving complaints about e-bike riders operating their vehicles recklessly on sidewalks. Often, these riders are teens with little experience or knowledge of local ordinances. Many pedestrians have suffered injuries after being struck by negligent e-bike riders on sidewalks.

Police Search for Car Thief Who Killed Motorcyclist in Hit-and-Run

Also in August, a 64-year-old motorcyclist died in Camden after being struck and killed by a man driving a stolen vehicle. The driver did not stop, offer assistance, or call 911. Instead, he simply kept driving and left the victim to his fate. Police say that this alleged car thief was driving a Chevrolet Blazer, and they are currently trying to track this individual down. Anyone with information about the incident has been urged by investigators to come forward.

Local community members, friends, and family of the victim want justice. One person close to the victim says that he was “left out in the street like a dog,” and she is still trying to process what happened. Hit-and-runs can be particularly difficult for the friends and families of motorcycle accident victims. Unanswered questions and the lack of accountability can make these kinds of deaths difficult to handle.

Police often locate these hit-and-run drivers – but not always. Sometimes, these criminals never face consequences for their actions. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in New Jersey may be able to help victims pursue compensation, even if police fail to catch those responsible.

Can a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?

If you have lost a loved one to a fatal motorcycle accident in New Jersey, an experienced injury attorney may be able to help. A wrongful death lawsuit could represent a pathway toward compensation, justice, and closure. You may claim damages such as funeral expenses, missed future earnings, emotional distress, unpaid medical bills, and others. Although nothing will ever bring your loved one back, this compensation could prove to be a vital financial safety net as you face an uncertain future. Learn more by contacting Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., today.