Police Hunt E-Bike Rider in Manasquan, NJ After Fleeing at Over 50 MPH
Police in Manasquan, New Jersey, are searching for the rider of a high-powered electric bike who fled a traffic stop at speeds over 50 mph.
Officers say they tried to pull the rider over on Route 71, but the individual took off, turning sharply onto Main Street before disappearing. The chase raised immediate concerns about public safety and misuse of high-speed e-bikes.
Local police said it’s part of a growing trend – unregistered e-bikes and e-dirt bikes being used on public roads without regard for traffic laws. Officials say incidents like this are happening more often in coastal towns.
Local Leaders Call for Stricter E-Bike Rules
Mayor Michael Mangan said the town will push for statewide e-bike regulations, including:
- Mandatory registration or licensing for faster e-bikes
- Clear speed limits that separate bicycles from motor vehicles
- Insurance requirements for bikes capable of over 28 mph
He added that several residents support these changes, especially after multiple e-bike police chases in the area.
“If an electric bike can go 50 miles per hour, it’s no longer a bike — it’s a motor vehicle,” said one official.
What This Means for E-Bike Riders
Stories like this don’t just make headlines — they often lead to new laws and restrictions that affect every e-bike owner.
Here’s a quick look at how different e-bike classes compare to the type of bike police are describing:
| E-Bike Type | Top Speed | Throttle? | Pedal Assist? | License Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 20 mph | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Class 2 | 20 mph | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Class 3 | 28 mph | ❌ Usually No | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes (depends on state) |
| Unclassified / “E-Moto” | 30–60+ mph | ✅ Yes | ✅ Often | ✅ Yes (treated as motorcycle/moped) |
🚲 Tip: If your e-bike goes faster than 28 mph or has a large motor (over 750W), it might not be road-legal as a bicycle — check your local regulations.
👉 Read Next:
- What Makes an E-Bike Road-Legal? (2025 U.S. State Guide)
- Understanding Electric Bike Classes: A Complete Guide
My Take
This story is a wake-up call for every e-bike rider. I love that e-bikes make transportation fun and accessible – but when one hits 50 mph, it’s crossing into motorcycle territory.
If riders keep ignoring safety and traffic laws, we risk tighter restrictions that could hurt everyone – even responsible riders who follow the rules.
If your e-bike is capable of higher speeds, treat it with the same respect as a motor vehicle. Wear proper gear, stay off sidewalks, and know your state’s e-bike laws before you ride.
Regulations are coming – but responsible riders can help shape them by showing that e-bikes can be part of the solution, not the problem.
💬 What Do You Think?
Should e-bikes that go over 28 mph require a license or registration?
Share your thoughts below – I’d love to hear from fellow riders and commuters.
For more news on electric bikes click here
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ebikes are not the problem.
Totally agree – most e-bike riders aren’t out here causing problems. 👍
This situation is really about one person doing something reckless, not about all e-bikes or the people who ride responsibly.
My goal with the post wasn’t to blame e-bikes at all, but to highlight how fast some modified or unlocked bikes can go and why stories like this get so much attention. E-bikes are an awesome way to commute and save money – they just get a bad reputation when someone misuses one.
Appreciate you reading and sharing your perspective!