New Jersey Congressman Proposes S.A.F.E. Ride Act to Improve E-Bike Safety Nationwide
Hackensack, New Jersey — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) has introduced a federal bill called the S.A.F.E. Ride Act. The goal: reduce e-bike injuries and make riding safer. This comes amid growing concern over crashes involving children across New Jersey.
What the S.A.F.E. Ride Act Would Do
Gottheimer’s plan has several parts:
- Electric Bike Safety Plans for States
States would get funding to create or strengthen plans for e-bike safety. These include helmet programs, rider education, better crash data, and law enforcement support. - Age Verification & Rental Company Rules
E-bike rental services would need stronger age checks and safety policies. - Federal Guidelines & Public Awareness
The U.S. Department of Transportation would issue guidelines. States would run public campaigns on safe riding. - Protecting Children
The bill highlights protecting kids. Recent crashes in NJ, including a fatal one in Somers Point involving a 14-year-old, show why this is urgent.
Why Now
- E-bike use is booming. More riders means more crashes.
- Studies show 44% of e-bike injuries involve kids aged 10-13.
- Nationally, injuries have surged nearly 300% between 2019 and 2022.
How It Compares to Other Laws
Other states are already tackling parts of this problem. But their laws vary widely.
| State / Jurisdiction | What They’ve Passed or Proposed | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | HB25-1197 (2025) | Requires e-bike batteries sold in the state to pass safety certification. Also requires sellers to disclose age restrictions for Class 3 e-bikes. |
| California | AB 544 & others (2025) | Requires e-bikes to have a red reflector or flashing red light at night. Other bills regulate sales and labeling. |
| General State Laws | Helmet & classification laws | Many states base rules on e-bike “classes.” Helmets often required for Class 3 or for riders under certain ages. |
| New Jersey | Current law | Helmets required for riders under 17. Low-speed e-bikes classified differently, with some DMV exemptions. |
Key Difference: Gottheimer’s Act aims to unify efforts. Instead of piecemeal rules, it would create a nationwide framework with funding and federal guidance. That’s broader than most state laws, which tend to focus on a single issue like helmets, lights, or batteries.
Reactions & Challenges
- Supporters say this Act is overdue. Families want safer roads and clearer rules.
- Critics may question cost. States may need matching funds or infrastructure upgrades.
- Enforcement is tricky. Rental companies have safety policies, but age checks are easy to bypass.
- Different state rules could still cause confusion, even under federal guidance.
What to Watch
- Will the S.A.F.E. Ride Act gain traction in Congress?
- How much money will states get, and how they’ll use it.
- How rental companies respond.
- Whether schools and communities embrace safety campaigns.
- If helmet laws or stricter age limits follow.
Bigger Picture
This bill reflects a larger national shift. States like Colorado and California are acting on battery safety and visibility. Others focus on helmets. Gottheimer wants to bring these ideas together, protect children, and cut the rising crash numbers.
E-bikes have clear benefits: cheaper transport, greener trips, easier commutes. But they come with risks if riders are unprepared. The S.A.F.E. Ride Act aims to balance both.
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Photo credit via Flickr
