E-bikes and scooters have emerged as a notable trend in transportation, introducing the era of "e-bikes" or electric bicycles or scooters. While visually resembling traditional pedal bicycles, these bikes are equipped with discreet motors for speed. However, as e-bike operators still pedal, it can complicate differentiation for drivers and pedestrians.

The Garden State categorizes e-bikes as pedal bikes with a helper motor that generates less than 750W and reaches speeds up to 25mph on flat ground. E-bikes in NJ are permitted on both streets and sidewalks, emphasizing the importance of watching out for pedestrians. Heightened awareness of surroundings and accurate speed assessments become crucial for pedestrians and drivers to avoid potential mishaps resulting from misjudging the speed of e-bikes.

In automobile accidents, New Jersey law stipulates that the automobile insurance carrier typically covers medical bills related to the incident under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Notably, Governor Murphy's 2019 modification to the law expanded the definition to include "low-speed e-bikes," encompassing e-bike operators in the category eligible for PIP benefits. While riders under 17 years of age are required to wear helmets, there is no license obligation Imposed on individuals operating e-scooters.

With minimal protective measures against impacts with cars or being thrown off the e-scooter during a collision, the consequences can be profound, resulting in injuries like: