Hackensack, NJ Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)
Key Facts
- Class 1 e-bike
- Pedal-assist only, cuts off at 20 mph
- Class 2 e-bike
- Throttle-capable, cuts off at 20 mph
- Motor limit
- Under 750 watts
- Sidewalks
- E-bikes banned at any time, no exceptions
- Parks
- Banned unless on a City Manager-designated path
- Enforcement
- Hackensack Police Department
- Penalty
- Fine up to $2,000 and/or community service
Summary
Hackensack's bicycle ordinance defines two classes of low-speed electric bicycles under Chapter 63: Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes that cut off motor assistance at 20 miles per hour, and Class 2 throttle-equipped e-bikes with the same 20 mph cutoff, both capped at motors under 750 watts. Unlike regular bicycles, e-bikes and motorized bicycles may never be ridden on Hackensack sidewalks and are banned from city parks except on paths the City Manager designates.
LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLE A two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, that meets the requirements of one of the following classifications: " ... Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle," which means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour; or " ... Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle," which means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. ... No person shall ride a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle on a sidewalk at any time. ... No person shall ride a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle within a public park, and a rider must dismount the bicycle and walk it, if necessary, to traverse the park to reach his or her desired destination.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4592721; v20 updated 2026-01-06; through 01-06-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 63, Article I of the Hackensack City Code applies to bicycles, low-speed electric bicycles and motorized bicycles operated on any street, sidewalk, public way, park or other public property in the city, per § 63-1. Section 63-2 defines a low-speed electric bicycle as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and a motor under 750 watts, split into Class 1 (assistance only while pedaling, cutting off at 20 mph) and Class 2 (throttle-capable, also capped at 20 mph). 5 brake horsepower or a top speed of 25 to 28 mph.
Riders of ordinary bicycles get more latitude than e-bike riders: § 63-4J bars anyone over 12 from sidewalk riding but lets younger children ride under adult supervision, while it bars low-speed electric bicycles and motorized bicycles from sidewalks outright, with no age exception. Section 63-4P extends that logic to parks: no one may ride a low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle within a city park, and a rider must dismount and walk the bike to cross it, unless the City Manager has designated a specific path as exempt.
Helmets must be worn as New Jersey law requires. The Police Department enforces the article under § 63-5, and can temporarily impound a bicycle, including an e-bike, from a rider who continues operating it unsafely after a citation, releasable on payment of a $1 storage fee.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 63's bicycle article, including the e-bike sidewalk and park restrictions, is punishable by a fine and/or community service under § 1-15 of the Code's General Provisions, which authorizes fines up to $2,000 or up to 90 days of imprisonment or community service, with each day a continuing violation counted as a separate offense. The Police Department and any City Manager-designated officers or agents enforce the article and may temporarily impound a bicycle from a rider who persists in unsafe operation after a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride my e-bike on a Hackensack sidewalk?
What separates a Class 1 from a Class 2 e-bike in Hackensack?
Can I ride my e-bike through a Hackensack park?
What happens if my e-bike is impounded in Hackensack?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hackensack
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