West New York, NJ Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

Chapter 130 of the Code of the Town of West New York was amended in 2021 and again on November 12, 2025 to cover electric bicycles and scooters. Section 130-2 defines a low-speed electric bicycle as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets one of two classifications. A class 1 bicycle provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases at 20 miles per hour. A class 2 bicycle has a motor that can be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and provides no assistance at 20 miles per hour. A low-speed electric scooter has a floorboard, handlebars and a motor with a maximum speed of less than 19 miles per hour.

The riding rules in Section 130-12 apply to low-speed electric bicycles and scooters as a group; the section does not split the rules by class. Under Subsection A, any electric bicycle or scooter with a motor greater than 750 watts is not low-speed and is effectively prohibited unless the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Code specifically authorizes it and it is registered, insured and operated by a licensed operator. Subsection B(9) bars anyone over 13 from riding on a sidewalk, and B(10) bars everyone, even those under 13, from sidewalks in a business district between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Subsection B(7) requires a protective helmet. Speed cannot exceed 20 miles per hour. Riders on the roadway keep right but can move left to turn left, avoid hazards, pass slower vehicles, take any available lane at traffic speed, or ride up to two abreast when traffic is not impeded.

Equipment rules include white front and red rear lamps visible from 500 feet at night, and a bell audible for 100 feet with no siren or whistle. Passengers need a proper seat or trailer and a helmet.

Businesses that own, rent or lease e-bikes or e-scooters for deliveries must post a copy of the chapter, put employees in reflective vests, and mark each vehicle as operated for hire. Under Subsection E, those businesses must hold Police Department registration tags, and the registration fee for an electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter is $30.