Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, New Jersey regulates electric scooters primarily under N.J. Stat. § 39:4-14.16. The state classifies these devices as Low-Speed Electric Scooters (LSES).
While the 2019 baseline laws remain the current legal standard, New Jersey Legislature is currently debating a major shift that could mandate registration and insurance for all riders.
State-level classification and definition
Under N.J. Stat. § 39:1-1, a vehicle is defined as a Low-Speed Electric Scooter if it meets the following technical criteria:
Design: A scooter with a treadplate that can be stood upon by the operator and has handlebars.
Power: Equipped with an electric motor.
Speed: Capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion at a maximum speed of less than 19 mph.
Reclassification: If a scooter is modified or built to exceed 19 mph, it is legally categorized as a motorized bicycle (moped), which requires a license, registration, and insurance.
2026 Legislative Updates Incoming
Note: As of January 2026, Senate Bill 2292 and Assembly Bill 6222 are moving rapidly through the legislature.
Current Status (January 2026): Registration and insurance are not currently required for private e-scooters.
Pending Change: If passed (votes are scheduled for January 2026), all LSES owners would be required to register their devices with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) for an $8 annual fee and carry liability insurance that includes personal injury protection for pedestrians.
Effective Date: If signed, the requirements typically take effect several months after enactment (estimated mid-2026).
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or specialized permit is currently required to operate an electric scooter in New Jersey.
Minimum Age: There is no specific statewide minimum age for private scooters, though 16 years old is the common enforcement standard used by local municipalities and shared rental programs.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in New Jersey, a scooter must be equipped with the following:
Brakes: A system capable of bringing the device to a controlled stop.
Audible Signal: A bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for at least 100 feet is mandatory.
Night Lighting: A white front lamp visible from 500 feet and a red rear light visible from 500 feet are required for use between sunset and sunrise.
Side Visibility: Reflectors are required on each side, and the device must have retroreflective tire sidewalls or side-facing reflectors.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators must follow all traffic laws applicable to bicycles (N.J. Stat. § 39:4-10.1).
Roadways: Permitted on all public streets, highways, and bicycle paths, except where bicycles are specifically prohibited (such as major state highways).
Sidewalks: State law permits parking on sidewalks (provided they aren't blocked), but the legality of riding on sidewalks is determined entirely by local municipal ordinances.
Position: Riders must stay as far to the right of the roadway as practicable.
Helmet laws
Mandatory: Every person operating an electric scooter who is under 17 years of age must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets ANSI or Snell standards.
Adults: Riders 17 and older are not legally required to wear a helmet under state law, though local parks may have stricter rules.
Disclaimer: Bo USA Inc. endeavours to keep these documents up to date and relevant, however does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the included findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States. Always carry out secondary research to validate any statement - and refer directly to the relevant authority before presuming accuracy.
Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin riding electric scooters should refer to their local governments to obtain the most up-to-date information on the applicable, local legal standing of scooters.
The Bo Model-M: Since the electric scooter is legal in New Jersey, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to have a real integrity and quality to its manufacture. This means it will bring you pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, it is interesting to know that Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took plasticky toys and ruggedised them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for local journeys.
Of course, you can only really feel the benefit of that when you ride it for yourself; that is why we give an extraordinary 60 day return policy and have a customer response team full of the engineers who made it. When you contact Bo, you're going straight to the source.
Visit the Model M page - click here
Learn more about how we made the 'M' - click here
Go watch a Youtube about the Model-M - click here
Return to the State-by-State regulation page - click here
