NJ| New Jersey Bulletin 26-03 advised that, effective January 19, 2026, certain electric bicycles are now classified as “motorized bicycles” and must carry liability insurance with minimum limits of 15,000 per person, 30,000 per accident, and 5,000 property damage, with a six‑month grace period for newly subject owners to secure coverage by July 19, 2026, while “low‑speed electric bicycles” remain exempt. Policies must include PIP benefits for pedestrians consistent with N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4 (with pedestrian PIP shifting to the pedestrian’s own coverage starting January 1, 2027), describe each insured motorized bicycle by make, model, and serial number/VIN for both the policy and ID card, and comply with applicable identification card regulations. Insurers authorized to write private passenger auto coverage may write this motorized bicycle business but must promptly file and obtain approval of rates, rules, and forms that differentiate among three insured motorized bicycle categories (A, B, and C) based on motor type and speed capability.
Key Points:
- Rating and filing structure: insurers must have approved filings that rate separately for Categories A, B, and C, defined by motor type, displacement/horsepower, and speed capability, and should submit these filings as soon as possible.
- Six‑month transition period: newly included motorized bicycle owners must obtain required liability coverage by July 19, 2026; low‑speed e-bikes (pedal assist up to 20 mph) remain uninsured.
- Required limits and PIP: minimum 15,000/30,000/5,000 liability plus PIP to pedestrians under N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4, with pedestrian injuries shifting to their own PIP on and after January 1, 2027.