Elizabeth Adams, deputy executive director for public affairs at the nonprofit Transportation Alternatives, expressed concern over a proposed bill in New Jersey. According to Adams, the legislation requiring e-bikes to be registered and insured like cars would discourage their use, hinder public safety efforts, and disproportionately affect communities that depend on e-bikes as an affordable and accessible mode of transportation. This statement was shared in a press release dated May 22.

"S. 2292 — just like legislation to require registration and licenses for e-bikes in New York City — is an unwise, unsafe, and anti-immigrant bill," said Adams. "We stand in opposition to any bill that would make it more difficult for New Yorkers or New Jerseyans to choose sustainable and smart transportation options, as well as any legislation that will unfairly target immigrant workers. On both sides of the Hudson River, we deserve real solutions to traffic violence — not bills that will only make our streets more dangerous."

According to the same press release, Transportation Alternatives was among more than forty organizations that formed a coalition opposing the proposed bill. The coalition held a rally on May 22 to voice their concerns about the legislation. Members of the coalition believe that the bill will impede public safety efforts by encouraging more people to drive cars instead of using e-bikes. They also warned that it could increase the cost of bikeshare programs, potentially leading to their closure, and obstruct New Jersey's progress towards its emissions reduction targets. The coalition further stated that the bill would reduce equity by making e-bike usage more expensive, which "could exacerbate existing transportation inequities."

A report from the City University of New York (CUNY) indicates that immigrants engaged in delivery work heavily rely on e-bikes. A survey conducted by a CUNY PhD candidate found that nearly two-thirds of immigrant delivery workers in New York City used e-bikes for their deliveries, compared to 11% of non-immigrant delivery workers. E-bikes help these workers perform their jobs faster, thereby increasing their chances of receiving tips.

According to Skipcart, Hispanic and Latino Americans represent the largest ethnic group involved in app-based delivery gig work. Approximately 16% of Hispanic individuals have participated in this type of work, followed by 10% of the black population, 7% of the Asian population, and 4% of the white population.

The Union of Concerned Scientists states that e-bikes are a significantly less expensive mode of transportation than cars and offer more flexibility than public transportation. E-bikes also result in fewer emissions than gas-powered vehicles and even electric cars.

Transportation Alternatives, according to its website, is a New York City-based nonprofit organization established in 1973. The organization's mission is to enhance safety, equity, and sustainability by reducing reliance on cars.