Are Electric Scooters Legal in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey law, a low-speed electric scooter includes any vehicle with a platform for the user to stand on, equipped with handlebars, and powered by an electric motor that allows the scooter to reach speeds less than 20 miles per hour (19 mph maximum) on a paved level surface. Electric scooters are regulated similarly to bicycles and are not classified as motor vehicles, so no driver's license, registration, or insurance is required. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-10.1, helmet use is required for riders under age 17. Helmets must meet safety standards from organizations like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Violators receive warnings for their first offense, and parents or legal guardians may be fined a maximum of $25 for the first offense after a warning and up to $100 for subsequent offenses. Scooters are permitted on public roads, bike paths, and streets with a speed limit of 25 mph or less when a bike path is not available. While helmets are not mandatory for adults, safety advocates strongly recommend them. The state continues to monitor and adjust regulations to ensure safety of both riders and pedestrians, and local ordinances may further dictate operation in specific municipalities.