The Hoboken Police Department is cracking down on unregistered high speed e-bikes, with a focus on unregistered Class 3 e-bikes that are capable of reaching speeds over 20 mph.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Electric bikes are an important mode of alternative transportation, and when used safely, provide a convenient way to get around Hoboken. Nonetheless, we understand, and take seriously resident concerns about illegal e-bikes,” Police Chief Steven Aguiar in a statement.
“HPD knows the risk these high-speed electric bicycles pose to public safety, especially when operated illegally on our streets, and our officers will continue to actively monitor for violators.”
This category of vehicle, which includes mopeds and certain Whizz e-bikes, must be registered in the State of New Jersey. Any Class 3 bike not registered by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC), cannot be operated legally on a public roadway.
Those found operating an unregistered Class-3 e-bike will receive the appropriate summons and face fines of up to $100 for each violation. In addition, the bike will be impounded at the owner’s expense.
Hoboken police also continue to educate owners and operators of lower speed (Class 1 and Class 2) e-bikes. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which provide an alternative to driving a car when operated safely, are the most common style of e-bike used in Hoboken.
They do not have to be registered, and a license is not necessary when operating this type of e-bike. However, Hoboken police will continue to issue summonses to those who ride Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes illegally, including riding on sidewalks.
Officers with HPD are also stepping up enforcement against other illegal motorized vehicles in Hoboken that have provided safety challenges.
14 mopeds, motorcycles, and/or e-bikes have been impounded in the last two weeks, with the operators being issued summonses for a variety of violations including being illegally parked, unregistered, and/or uninsured.
All drivers are reminded that the city-wide speed limit is 20 mph, and 15 mph in school zones. The city reduced the speed limit in 2022 as part of the City’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate all traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
“#Hoboken: Every little bit will help make our streets, sidewalks and residents safer,” 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano, who spearheaded the local legislation to license e-bike delivery riders, wrote on X.
Now that we have cracked down on the bicycles, perhaps we should crack down on some of the people who ride them…… As we have been told, the situation may be more “nuanced,” — but maybe we could give it a try, anyway.