1 Killed, 1 Injured in Ocean County E-Bike Accident
Electric bicycles have become all the rage in the past few years but these vehicles are not safe, especially for young children. Despite New Jersey having laws in place that prevent anyone under the age of 15 from operating these bikes, many people ignore these laws. The result is often a serious or even deadly accident.
Sadly, this was recently the case in New Jersey. A child was killed and another was injured in an e-dirt bike accident. The fatal accident occurred on the afternoon of August 26 in Ocean County.
An 11-year-old boy was operating an e-dirt bike, with an 11-year-old girl as his passenger. He was traveling on Sherman Avenue in Berkeley Township when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Sherman and Moorage avenues.
This caused the bike to hit the driver’s side door of a Ford F-250 pickup truck. The girl was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where she later died The boy was injured and taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. He was treated and later released. The prosecutor’s office is investigating the crash.
New Jersey E-Bike Laws
New Jersey has new e-bike requirements that took effect in July 2026, significantly changing the rules for people who ride electric bicycles in the state.
The new laws state that:
- Riders must be at least 15 years old.
- Riders must have either a valid driver’s license or an e-bike license/permit.
- Operating an e-bike is prohibited for anyone younger than 15.
All e-bikes must be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The new requirement applies to e-bikes regardless of whether they require insurance.
Registration generally requires proof of ownership, identification and a manufacturer’s certificate of origin or other acceptable ownership documentation.
Note that there is an important distinction: Low-speed electric bicycles do not require insurance, while motorized bicycles/mopeds are required to have insurance.
New Jersey defines a low-speed e-bike as a two-wheeled bicycle with pedals where the motor assists while pedaling and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour. A motorized bicycle can provide assistance up to 28 miles per hour.
A person who does not have a regular driver’s license can obtain an e-bike license. The process includes:
- Being at least 15.
- Obtaining an e-bike permit.
- Passing knowledge and vision tests.
- Practicing for 45 days during daylight hours.
- Taking a road test.
- Obtaining the e-bike license after passing.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Vehicles such as e-bikes can collide with larger vehicles and cause serious accidents and even fatalities. It is devastating when young children are victims of these crashes.
If you have been involved in an auto crash, contact an experienced Morristown car accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We can guide you through the process and ensure you get full compensation for all your damages. Schedule a consultation today by calling (973) 455-1567 or filling out the online form.
Source:
nj.com/news/2026/08/nj-girl-11-killed-after-e-dirt-bike-collides-with-pickup-truck.html
