Gov. Murphy yesterday signed a new e-bike safety law that Ocean City has long advocated for. Public safety will always remain a top priority for this administration and for “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” Protecting young riders is especially important.
Among the provisions of the new legislation are the following:
All classes of electric bikes are now treated the same.
Riders must be at least 15 years old to use any e-bike.
Operators must have a license, and register and insure their e-bikes.
Operators age 17 and older can use a valid driver’s license.
Operators ages 15 and 16, and anybody without a driver’s license, will be able to obtain a motorized bicycle license after successfully passing road tests of both their ability to safely operate an e-bike and their knowledge of traffic safety laws.
E-bike owners will have six months to meet the new licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.
Licensing and registration fees will be waived for one year.
Helmet requirements under the old law remain in effect.
Nobody likes more red tape, but the benefits of the new law far outweigh the inconvenience of the new registration requirements.
Our Community Policing Unit will begin sharing the requirements with students in Ocean City schools, and they will continue to enforce the law. The text of the new registration requirement does not specify whether or not visible license plates or markers will be required. That had been one of the requests of our police chief.
A lot of vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians share Ocean City’s roads. It’s a dangerous mix, given the speed and sometimes recklessness of e-bike operators old and young.
I want to thank our legislators for taking this important step toward public safety.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian Mayor
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Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!
Ocean City is a town rich in history and a deep sense of community. Families have been vacationing in Ocean City for generations and many have made Ocean City their year-round home.
Our residents enjoy award-winning schools, world-class recreation facilities and outstanding municipal services from all city departments, including Police, Fire and Rescue, and Beach Patrol. Residents participate in activities for every age and interest including the cultural arts, music and theater as well as sports and recreation programs available at our many parks, playgrounds and city facilities. One of our local treasures is the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue, where families and individuals can enjoy the Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City Historical Museum, Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, and the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center under one roof.
The city also maintains and operates a municipal airport, 12-hole golf course, Aquatic and Fitness Center as well as the famed Ocean City Pops Orchestra.
Ocean City is also host to more than 200 family-friendly special events held year-round. Many of our events are popular family traditions, including the Night in Venice Boat Parade in July, the Baby Parade in August, our mile-long block parties in May and October, and our family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration.
If you are vacationing in Ocean City, I know you’ll enjoy our seven miles of beautiful beaches and exciting Boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and amusements. And be sure to visit our unique and charming downtown shops and restaurants located in the heart of town on Asbury Avenue.
I am truly proud to serve as mayor for this great community and hope you and your family enjoy your time in America’s Greatest Family Resort.
Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!