The Regional Plan Association (RPA), a nonprofit organization, has urged New Jersey residents to implore their legislators to vote against a proposed bill that necessitates the registration and insurance of e-bikes. In the April 19 post, the RPA warns that the implementation of this bill could result in additional costs for e-bike riders.

"New Jerseyans - tell your legislators to keep e-bikes affordable," said RPA, according to a post on X. "Take action via @Tri_State and tell your elected officials to vote no on the low-speed e-bike insurance bill (S2292/A3359)."

Introduced by State Senate President Nicholas Scutari, the bill stipulates that low-speed e-bikes and electric scooters must be insured and registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The legislation would encompass class 1 and class 2 low-speed e-bikes, which do not exceed speeds of 20 mph.

The New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition is also opposed to the bill, as they believe it would impose added expenses on e-bike riders. In a recent post, they expressed concern that individuals who depend on e-bikes for their livelihoods, such as delivery workers from low-income communities, would encounter "a significant financial and logistical barrier" if compelled to register and insure their e-bikes. Corey Hannigan, active transportation manager at the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, stated: "Even small fees, and complicated processes, for registering an ebike can make it prohibitively complex and costly for working families."

Velotric points out that e-bikes provide numerous benefits for delivery workers employed by companies like DoorDash and Grubhub. E-bikes are less expensive than cars; they require less maintenance, no money spent on gas, and eliminate parking fees.

Insurance could impose a considerable expense on e-bike users. Over the past year alone, motor vehicle insurance costs have surged by 22.2%, according to the most recent Consumer Price Index summary.

As stated on its website, RPA is an independent nonprofit entity dedicated to developing policies that bolster the economic health and quality of life in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The organization was founded in 1922.