Wayne, NJ Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)
Key Facts
- Class 1
- Pedal assist only; assistance ceases at 20 miles per hour
- Class 2
- Motor can propel the bicycle alone; no assistance at 20 miles per hour
- Motor size
- Electric motor of less than 750 watts
- Roadway limit
- Low-speed e-bikes barred on roads with a speed limit exceeding 25 MPH
- Helmet
- Required on a low-speed e-bike if the rider is under the age of 17
- Repeat-offender fine
- Minimum fine not less than $100
- Enforcer
- Township of Wayne Police Department
Summary
In Wayne Township, New Jersey, Chapter 202 of the Township Code defines two classes of low-speed electric bicycle. Class 1 gives pedal assistance only and stops assisting at 20 miles per hour. Class 2 has a motor that can propel the bicycle alone and also stops assisting at 20 miles per hour. Both use motors under 750 watts, and low-speed e-bikes are barred from roadways with a speed limit above 25 MPH.
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: A. CLASS 1 LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLE 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 B. CLASS 2 LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLE 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. ... (4) Operating Low-Speed Electric Bicycles, on a roadway with a speed limit exceeding 25 MPH; (5) Operating a Low-Speed Electric Bicycle, Low-Speed Electric Scooter, or Motorized Bicycle with a passenger; (6) Operating a Low-Speed Electric Bicycle without a helmet if under the age of 17;
Full Breakdown
Chapter 202 of the Wayne Township Code, amended 11-5-2025 by Ord. No. 61-2025, treats the low-speed electric bicycle as its own vehicle type, separate from off-road vehicles and from motorized bicycles. A low-speed electric bicycle has two or three wheels, fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Class 1 provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance at 20 miles per hour. Class 2 has a motor that can be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and it is likewise not capable of providing assistance at 20 miles per hour. The chapter defines no third class. A pedal bicycle with an electric motor that can propel it in excess of 20 miles per hour, up to a maximum motor-powered speed of 28 miles per hour on a flat surface, falls under the separate definition of motorized bicycle, and that definition expressly excludes low-speed electric bicycles and scooters.
Where a rider can go is set by Section 202-5(B). Low-speed electric bicycles are prohibited on a roadway with a speed limit exceeding 25 MPH. Low-speed electric bicycles, scooters and motorized bicycles are all prohibited on any Township athletic field, court, grass area or natural surface hiking/walking trail. No operator can carry a passenger, ride contrary to official traffic control signals, signs and other control devices, or ride carelessly, and failing to yield to pedestrians is named as an example of careless operation. A rider under the age of 17 needs a helmet on a low-speed electric bicycle. Phones and electronic communication devices are limited to hands-free use. Every unit needs a reflector on the front and the back, and at night a white front lamp and a red rear lamp, each visible from a distance of at least 500 feet. Parking on a sidewalk in a way that blocks pedestrian access is also prohibited.
Section 202-6 gives enforcement to the Township of Wayne Police Department, which exercises discretion based on the nature and severity of the violation, the circumstances, the violator's history of compliance and the impact on public safety.
Violations & Fines
Section 202-7 makes a violation of Chapter 202 subject to a civil penalty and, on conviction, to the penalties established for violation of the traffic laws of the Township of Wayne or the penalties in Chapter 1, Section 1-15 of the Wayne Township Code. For repeat offenders the minimum fine is not less than $100. An owner or person in control who knowingly lets an under-age person operate the vehicle commits a separate violation. The vehicle can be impounded and towed under Chapter 191, and for a juvenile the impound costs are charged to the owner or parent/guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What separates a Class 1 from a Class 2 e-bike in Wayne Township?
Can I ride a low-speed e-bike on any road in Wayne Township, NJ?
Does my child need a helmet on an e-bike in Wayne Township?
Can I ride an e-bike on Township fields and trails in Wayne?
What lights does an e-bike need at night in Wayne Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wayne
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