Bill introduced to make e-bike safer
Gottheimer looks to give resources to reverse rise in crashes
By: Megan Burrow
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... New Jersey and other states need to do more to make riding electric bikes safer in response to the recent rise in e-bike crashes, particularly involving children and teenagers, said Democratic U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer.
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On Thursday September11, [2025] the congressman introduced legislation called the Safety and Funding for E-Bikes Ride Act, or SAFE Ride Act, to increase federal investment for states to cerate electric bike safety plans to cut down accidents and reduce injuries.
..... "E-bikes are everywhere; it's a fast-growing trend. While fun and efficient, without the right safety precautions, e-bikes can be dangerous," Gottheimer said when announcing the proposed bill outside of Hackensack High School on September 5. [2025] "It's heartbreaking and it's becoming increasingly common."
..... His e-bike safety plan includes promoting helmet sue and safe riding practices, providing crash data, and supporting local law enforcement to provide safety outreach for kids and enforcement helmet wearing.
..... The bill aims to give states resources to address bike safety challenges and reduce crashes and accidents.
..... In July, [2025] a 14-year-old boy died in an e-bike crash in Somers Point, near Atlantic City, [NJ] after being ht by a car. In North Jersey, several e-bike crashes have sent children to the hospital in recent months, including a 15-year-old in Montvale in July [2025] and a 13-year-old in Westfield who was treated for a serious head injury last month. [08/2025]
..... A 2023 study examining e-bikes as a public health issue found that children ages 10 to 15 were the age group most likely to be injured in an e-bike crash and made up more than 44% of such injuries. The study found that compared with those riding standard pedal bikes, children riding e-bikes were less likely to wear helmets.
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Across the country, between 2019 and 2022, e-bike injuries rose 293% according to federal data.
..... "These aren't just statistics. They are children, friends and family members," Gottheimer said. "We must ensure families get the best possible education and resources they need to stay informed and protect themselves when using e-bikes."
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Gottheimer said he plans to send a letter to e-bike rental companies, such as Citi Bike and Lyft, calling on them to better enforce safety policies. He is urging the federal Transpiration Department to put forward guidelines on e-bike safety and asking its state counterpart to work with the state Education Department to cerate a public information campaign for schools to use.
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Hackensack last month [08/2025] passed a measure to regulate lithium batteries in e-bikes and other devices to reduce the risk of fire.
..... Gottheimer said he has backed legislation to help prevent the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries sued in e-bikes form exploding or catching fire, and is "proud to partner with the Hackensack Fire Department in this effort."
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"When it comes to preventing our children from serious crashes, we need to pull out all the stops and put real safeguards in place," he said. "By further raising awareness, I'm hoping that we can prevent the next e-bike crease before it happens.