A proposal to require insurance for low-speed electric bikes could hamper the adoption of non-auto modes, advocates argue.

“On Thursday, the New Jersey Senate's Transportation Committee is holding a hearing about bill S2292, which would require riders of low-speed electric bikes and scooters to register their vehicles with the state and carry liability insurance to cover themselves and anyone else who might be harmed in the event of a crash.”
According to Streetsblog USA’s Kea Wilson, the insurance doesn’t even exist yet—and the law could have a ‘chilling effect’ on all micromobility modes, including human-powered ones like bicycles. “Serious crashes involving those modes are so relatively rare, though — the National Transportation Safety Board recorded just 119 e-bike-involved fatalities between 2017 and 2021 vs. the 192,709 caused by drivers — so advocates say the legislation would do little more than increase already-steep barriers to human-scaled mobility posed by traffic violence, while undermining the climate, equity, and safety goals that low-speed modes can help communities reach.”
In Europe, e-bikes aren’t held to the same requirements as higher-speed vehicles because they are “not propelled exclusively by mechanical power.” Advocates argue New Jersey and other states should update the definition of ‘pedestrian’ to include low-speed mobility options rather than require insurance similar to motor vehicles.
Matt Moore, general policy counsel for People for Bikes, says the bill could set a dangerous precedent: “because pedal bikes are actually ridden faster on average than e-bikes because they attract more fit and athletic riders, New Jersey might someday argue that riders who don't use pedal-assist should carry insurance, too — and other communities could all too easily follow suit.”
FULL STORY: Why Every E-Biker Should Be Worried About NJ’s Proposed Micromobility Insurance Law

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service