News

In summary:

Unless your pedal assist is limited to 20 mph, your recreational e-bike is designated as a Motorized Bicycle. Both registration and insurance coverage is required for a Motorized Bicycle. Registration with provide two license plates to affix to the front forks. Proof of ownership difficulties that some club members have encountered seems to have been resolved.

Following is a copy of NJMVC email:

Starting on June 26, 2026, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) will begin appointments for customers to obtain licenses and registrations to operate e-bikes, in accordance with a new law enacted in January 2026 (P.L.2025, c.285) .  No need to wait to schedule –you can go online and make your appointment today here: https://telegov.njportal.com/njmvc

The specific requirements, and step-by-step instructions, for e-bike licensing and registration are outlined on the NJMVC’s e-bike webpage (https://www.nj.gov/mvc/vehicletopics/ebike.htm). The webpage includes detailed instructions and guidance — including relevant forms, FAQs, the NJ Driver Manual, and a newly-updated E-bike & Moped Manual — to simplify and explain the new e-bike requirements.

The term “e-bike” commonly refers to both low-speed electric bicycles and motorized bicycles as defined in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1: 

• Low-speed electric bicycle — a pedal assisted bicycle with a helper motor that only provides assistance while pedaling up to 20 mph.
  
  
• Motorized bicycle — a pedal assisted bicycle with either:
• • An engine under 50 cubic centimeters;
  • An electric motor that provides assistance while pedaling or with a throttle up to 28 mph; or
  • An electric motor that provides assistance while using a throttle, up to 15 mph. 

E-bike Usage Requirements Under the New Law 

• Age and License
  

To operate an e-bike in New Jersey, riders must be at least 15 years old and have either (1) an e-bike license or (2) a valid driver license. 

• Registration and Insurance 

All e-bikes in New Jersey must be registered with the NJMVC.

Only motorized bicycles are required to have insurance coverage.

Low-speed electric bicycles do not require insurance. 

• Helmet Use 

A helmet is mandatory for all e-bike riders. 

E-bike Licensing 

E-bike riders can now schedule initial permit appointments at NJMVC Licensing Centers to begin the process of obtaining a license if they are at least 15 years old and do not already possess a New Jersey driver license. Individuals who already have a valid driver license (ages 17 and up) do not need a separate license to ride an e-bike. 

For individuals who do not already have a driver license, they will have to complete a multi-step process that includes obtaining a permit, passing a knowledge test, practicing e-bike operation, and passing a road test before receiving their license to legally ride an e-bike. 

Individuals under the age of 18 will also need to provide a completed parent consent form, if a parent or guardian is not accompanying the minor at their appointment. Everyone will also need this application form: BA-208.pdf

Visit the NJMVC’s e-bike webpage for more details about e-bike licensing. 

E-bike Registration 

E-bike registration appointments are now available for booking at NJMVC Vehicle Centers, and the entire process can be completed in a single visit. The first appointments for e-bike registration will be Friday, June 26. 

To register an e-bike, customers need to complete a registration form (form BA-49EB), and provide proof of identity, proof of liability insurance (only for those registering motorized bicycles), and proof of ownership, which may include the following: 

• A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO); 
• Purchase receipt; 
• A notarized bill of sale; or 
• An affidavit from the current owner, as documented on the registration form.  

Individuals under the age of 18 will also need to provide a completed parent consent form, if a parent or guardian is not accompanying the minor at their appointment. 

Upon registering the e-bike, riders will receive two (2) license plate stickers to affix and display on both sides of the e-bike’s front fork.

Visit the NJMVC’s e-bike webpage for more details about e-bike registration.

Does anyone find that their e-bike is outside of this definition?

https://njbikeped.org/micromobility/

Looking back at my riding mileage from last year December through to March had almost no miles. The suggestion was made to add some hiking activities to the ride calendar. 

The first Western Jersey Wheelmen hike is posted for Sunday January 18th! If you are looking to add some outdoor activities this winter when bicycling is less feasible, consider joining the hike. We plan to stop by Wild Fern Brewery after the walk.

Hikes can range from casual social walks in local parks to more challenging hikes with rough terrain and elevation in NJ, Pa, or NY.

Signup for a hike means you have are capable of the stated mileage, and elevation, properly dressed for the weather, and equipped with appropriate footwear or hiking boots, and trekking poles. It is also strongly recommended that you bring water and a snack.

Arne

Hello WJW,

Year 2025 has been another year of modest rides of 2 to 4 hours at about 13.5 mph, or C-group rides.

A few of our members have posted rides at regular days of the week, such as the Wandering Wednesday or Friday to Frenchtown rides. Pay-to-ride events such as the Sourlands Spectacular have been attended by various club riders.

Some of us have traveled to other states or countries to join bicycle trips. The e-bikes have become an option and extended the riding capabilities for those riders.

We have had some social events at local breweries or rides that end at coffee shops or breweries.

Arne

If you’re considering a bicycling tour of Italy, you should know that our own Gale Byrnes is an ambassador with Controvento tours. Click on this link for their website: https://www.controventotours.com/index.html 

Gale can answer any questions you might have. Her email: Galebyrnes15@comcast.net

Here’s a link to the Controvento ambassador page. Scroll down for Gale: https://www.controventotours.com/ambassador.html

Photos can be uploaded directly from your mobile phone to the club website. Use the horizontal arrow at the right upper-most corner to log in to the club website. When you select the upload icon in the photo album it is possible to choose an image from your phone.

Everyone wants to stay healthy so they can continue to bicycle, right?

Take a look at these two books by Jessie Inchauspe

Glucose Revolution and The Glucose Goddess Method.

Interesting to read, non-technical, yet informative.

The order you eat foods can make a difference and a tablespoon of vinegar in water can change insulin spikes following eating.

Coffee is bitter, beer is bitter. Sugar is pleasant.

Arne

Our friends at Bike Lambertville have started a newsletter which has some great information and can be viewed here  

As a special interest group, WJW is being asked to consider signing a petition started by local residents to reduce the speed limit at Rileyville Road in Hopewell.

Rileyville Road starts at Hopewell, climbs up into the Sourlands, past Mountain Rd and Ridge Rd and connects to Wertsville Rd.

"As residents, we have become increasingly concerned with the speed at which personal vehicles and heavy commercial trucks travel this route."

The link to the petition and rationale is here.

Essentially, the petition would be a request to re-evaluate the speed limit on this road. Perhaps, the solution will be to remind drivers to stay within the posted speed limit via police presence or an electronic sign. 

This post is to inform club members of the petition and make it easy to add your name. 

Park on the grass area, as far as possible from the restaurant so that regular patrons have easy access to Brunellos Trattoria.

This Saturday, August 5^th the Flateau ride is returning, starting at Brunellos Trattoria at Old Croton Road.

Historically, this ride has been an opportunity for riders to attempt up to a Century in total distance since the ride returns to the Trattoria multiple times. You can return to your car for water or perhaps reconsider the total ride distance.

For most of our club members, bicycle riding is their physical conditioning event. WJW is among the local bicycle clubs that have seen reduced participation since the quarantines of 2020 redefined the established patterns.

Remember it is fun to bicycle and is a proactive lifestyle activity.

The plan is to have everyone complete your selected route distance between 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm.

Consider participating this weekend and staying to socialize and have a beer (on the club) and perhaps lunch. 

Non-Club members are welcome.