US State Legislation and Regulation and affect on you getting an Ebike

wb3jma

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Since New Jersey got started with it's horrid bill it looks like NH is about to release a even worse one that regulates bikes period not just Ebikes. Frankly I'm roughly a year out from making an Ebike purchase but I absolutely refuse to have to deal with it like a motorcycle and have to deal with licensing, registering and getting insurance for an class 1 pedal assist bike there is a very good chance I'll just get skip it and get a better analog bike which I expect to get cheaper as Ebikes become popular. What I'm worried about is multiple layers of compliance if you travel to different states and localities because of any reciprocity. If you own firearms you know what I'm talking about. Living in Maryland as the state is small I regularly cross lines to ride in PA, DE, WV and VA.
 
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Since New Jersey got started with it's horrid bill it looks like NH is about to release a even worse one that regulates bikes period not just Ebikes. Frankly I'm roughly a year out from making an Ebike purchase but I absolutely refuse to have to deal with it like a motorcycle and have to deal with licensing, registering and getting insurance for an class 1 pedal assist bike there is a very good chance I'll just get skip it and get a better analog bike which I expect to get cheaper as Ebikes become popular. What I'm worried about is multiple layers of compliance if you travel to different states and localities because of any reciprocity. If you own firearms you know what I'm talking about. Living in Maryland as the state is small I regularly cross lines to ride in PA, DE, WV and VA.
I'm no lawyer but I do not believe an out of state resident needs to have a registered bike. I'm not sure how you would even register your bike in say, NJ if you lived out of state.
 
I'm no lawyer but I do not believe an out of state resident needs to have a registered bike. I'm not sure how you would even register your bike in say, NJ if you lived out of state.
In Maryland there is no downhill bike parks I travel outside to nearby states to do it NJ has Mountain Creek which U intend to hit up this year with my Analog bike. Get an Ebike I have to worry about compliance, the bike park might get roped in as well over compliance letting me ride and Ebike there.
 
In Maryland there is no downhill bike parks I travel outside to nearby states to do it NJ has Mountain Creek which U intend to hit up this year with my Analog bike. Get an Ebike I have to worry about compliance, the bike park might get roped in as well over compliance letting me ride and Ebike there.
Private businesses aren't going to check your registration!

Think of it like other motor vehicle laws... If you live in Pennsylvania and don't run a front license plate, NJ isn't going to give you a ticket for not having a front plate on your car. New Jersey law enforcement can't enforce NJ registration laws on out of state residents. The registration laws are for residents of the state.
 
Private businesses aren't going to check your registration!

Think of it like other motor vehicle laws... If you live in Pennsylvania and don't run a front license plate, NJ isn't going to give you a ticket for not having a front plate on your car. New Jersey law enforcement can't enforce NJ registration laws on out of state residents. The registration laws are for residents of the state.
Oh horse pucky!!! They can coerce private enterprise to enforce whatever they want. They force Ebay and Amazon if you use their services to keep track of you and what you sell for the specific purpose of helping sales and income tax laws that reports it to the government rather than allowing the government relying on you to report it. Just like your employer auto deducts your taxes to enforce tax laws, its not done as a convenience. Then there is zoning to take into account, property zoned for Commercial use is subject to all kinds compliance as a requirement to hold a business license in the first place. Comparing land zoned for Commercial use to your vacation property lot is apples to oranges. We stopped being an Ayn Rand kind of world in regards private property a long time ago ask any farmer about Enviromental laws. The government uses business whether they want to or not all the time to enforce compliance.
 
Oh horse pucky!!! They can coerce private enterprise to enforce whatever they want. They force Ebay and Amazon if you use their services to keep track of you and what you sell for the specific purpose of helping sales and income tax laws that reports it to the government rather than allowing the government relying on you to report it. Just like your employer auto deducts your taxes to enforce tax laws, its not done as a convenience. Then there is zoning to take into account, property zoned for Commercial use is subject to all kinds compliance as a requirement to hold a business license in the first place. Comparing land zoned for Commercial use to your vacation property lot is apples to oranges. We stopped being an Ayn Rand kind of world in regards private property a long time ago ask any farmer about Enviromental laws. The government uses business whether they want to or not all the time to enforce compliance.
Have you ever heard of any business checking your vehicle registration? It doesn’t happen. Besides, if you live out of state you’re not applicable anyway. Do whatever you want though. I have no dog in this fight since I live in Arizona. I wouldn’t be the least bit worried if I brought my bike to Jersey though.
 
Have you ever heard of any business checking your vehicle registration? It doesn’t happen. Besides, if you live out of state you’re not applicable anyway. Do whatever you want though. I have no dog in this fight since I live in Arizona. I wouldn’t be the least bit worried if I brought my bike to Jersey though.
Sigh your awfully stubborn and really don't seem to understand reciprocity and interstate compacts and I'm not going to bother further beyond this last post. Your example is not particularly a good one and assumes much that isn't necessarily true and I'm going to give you a real life example at the end of this that I ran into in my 20's with motor vehicle laws differences between states. Where there is broad agreement on a particular issue states have reciprocity agreements in place that decide how much of what states requires or approves within it's boarders the other state grants to one person from another state unconditionally without requiring further direct compliance. Much of current Motor vehicle law was worked out this way a rather long time ago.

Here is a direct example of a Maryland law deciding how reciprocity the state of Maryland if may grant if they decide to(they don't have to) for Industrialized Buildings and Manufactured Homes:

.14 Reciprocity with Other States.​

Upon the application of another state for reciprocity, or upon his own initiative, the Secretary shall investigate if the other state has adopted and promulgated a code and enforcement procedures which establish standards and safeguards at least equal to those contained in these regulations. He will hold a public hearing to state the findings of his investigation and give interested parties the opportunity to submit their comments both for and against the adoption of a reciprocity agreement with the other state. Following the hearing, the Secretary shall decide whether a reciprocity agreement will be granted. As part of the finding by the Secretary granting reciprocity to another state, the Department shall set out the specific terms and conditions of the reciprocity agreement as it applies to that state and manufacturers of industrialized buildings under that state's program. As part of the reciprocity agreement, each state will keep the other informed of any changes in its regulations and maintain a current list of manufacturers that have been approved under its program. Upon application by any person adversely affected by the reciprocity agreement, the Secretary may investigate the allegations, and if necessary, hold a public hearing. Based on the results of his investigation, the Secretary may rescind, modify, or continue in effect the reciprocity agreement.

There is no such animal like this in regards to Ebikes, the state of New Jersey can force me to comply with their law as soon as I cross its border they have no compact they have decided to honor me as a individual from the state of Maryland when I bring my property to New Jersey and they don't have to either. The only time one state can be forced to honor something from another state without their approval is via the Interstate Commerce Clause of the Federal government that as a matter of convenience and good order broadly regulate exchanges between states and their citizens that which has been decided makes life easier for for citizens and businesses as they go about their way moving around the country that there should be uniformity granted wherein.

Here is that real life example using your chosen of motor vehicle laws. In my 20's I spent a year away from Maryland working in North Carolina with original intention of moving there permanently. Establishing residency requirements for NC means I was going to have to get licensed, insured tagged and titled there. Here was the kicker and it took me a month to get worked out because NC and MD's reciprocity agreement did not cover this particular item. NC is a one title state and MD is a two title state. That means if you bought and insured your car there you got a title to the car even if you had not payed it off and didn't really quite own it in full yet. Maryland is considered a two-title (or dual-title) state because it issues a paper Certificate of Title to the vehicle owner while simultaneously creating a separate Security Interest Filing (SIF) document to record any lienholders. When a vehicle is financed, the owner receives the title, but the lienholder holds the SIF, which must be cleared to prove full ownership. Being a little naive like you I explained that to the NC MVA thinking it was perfectly reasonable that they accept what the state of Maryland accepted. They didn't give a rat's ass what Maryland accepted despite the fact that my property the car was bought in Maryland and brought to NC by me. Reciprocity did not cover that and they did not have to honor it. Further more I was forced to go to the bank who had the lein on my car and convince them to provide me with what NC considered a valid title. This actually took some convincing to do with the bank who didn't happen to be a National bank that had branches in NC and did business there. Maryland required this of them and it took me a while to get them to provide me with this and they were clearly uncomfortable with a situation that might not find them not in compliance with MD law.

This is how the real world works in the United States between states and thus endeth the Civics lesson for today.
 
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So a Pennsylvania driver needs to affix a front plate on their car when they drive in NJ? No.

A 16 year old with a valid Alabama license wouldn't be allowed to drive in New Jersey? Sure they can.

A vehicle registered in Florida with tined windows would need to take the tint off when in NJ because it's not legal there? Nope.

You're simply mistaken. NJ isn't saying an out of state resident needs to register their e-bike in NJ. I'm not sure how you think they even would. They're not a resident. Unless you're active military you have to reside in the state to even be able to register a vehicle there. This is basic shit. Not sure how you're failing to grasp this @wb3jma.
 
So a Pennsylvania driver needs to affix a front plate on their car when they drive in NJ? No.

A 16 year old with a valid Alabama license wouldn't be allowed to drive in New Jersey? Sure they can.

A vehicle registered in Florida with tined windows would need to take the tint off when in NJ because it's not legal there? Nope.

You're simply mistaken. NJ isn't saying an out of state resident needs to register their e-bike in NJ. I'm not sure how you think they even would. They're not a resident. Unless you're active military you have to reside in the state to register a vehicle there. This is basic shit. Not sure why you're failing to grasp this @wb3jma.
Your obviously one who must have the last say any of the above is only true because the mentioned states have agreed for it to be that way and or the Feds have forced uniformity upon them. It doesn't have to be so and if your were interested in learning the way things work in a legal framework between states I'm sure of you took the time to research from the time we first had cars on the roads and states decided to regulate them you would find all kinds of examples of the point I'm making. But I am certain you have no interest much less curiosity doing so because I'm sure your not going to admit the world is not flat even if I take you for a spin around the globe in a rocket.
 
Your obviously one who must have the last say any of the above is only true because the mentioned states have agreed for it to be that way and or the Feds have forced uniformity upon them. It doesn't have to be so and if your were interested in learning the way things work in a legal framework between states I'm sure of you took the time to research from the time we first had cars on the roads and states decided to regulate them you would find all kinds of examples of the point I'm making. But I am certain you have no interest much less curiosity doing so because I'm sure your not going to admit the world is not flat even if I take you for a spin around the globe in a rocket.
I'll suspend disbelief for a moment and play along...

Would you help we fellow forum members by pointing us to where out-of-state residents can register our e-bikes for use in NJ? We'll wait.
 
This is all about kids riding surrons where they shouldnt. If you ride your emtb in the woods/trails, no one is going to say anything. I believe there is a $50 fine if you get caught without registration. Im more worried about getting struck by lightning inside my hone than getting my bike registered. Maybe thats just me…..
 

It’s not just road riders — e-mountain bikers are impacted, too​

We checked to see if there was an exclusion in the law that would allow eMTBs to ride without registration, but based on the language of the law, it seems that mountain bikers are affected, too: “No low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle, as those terms are defined by R.S. 39:1-1, shall be operated on the public highways or on public lands of this State unless registered by the owner thereof as provided by this act.” (Emphasis added.)

E-mountain bikers will now be required to register their class 1 eMTBs and carry their driver’s license and registration with them at all times while riding. Riders aged 15-16 will be required to take a course to attain their special e-bike license, and e-bikes for kids? Forget about them — it doesn’t matter how small they are, they’re now illegal.

If you own an e-bike and want to travel to New Jersey to ride, you’ll technically need to register your e-bike in the state in order to abide by the law. According to my research, the law doesn’t include an exemption for nonresidents or temporary visitors. While New Jersey has reciprocity laws for motorcycles registered in other states, New Jersey is the first state that we know of that requires e-bikes to be registered. In essence, there’s no possibility of registration reciprocity because no out-of-state riders have ever been required to register their e-bikes before.
 
Since New Jersey got started with it's horrid bill it looks like NH is about to release a even worse one that regulates bikes period not just Ebikes. Frankly I'm roughly a year out from making an Ebike purchase but I absolutely refuse to have to deal with it like a motorcycle and have to deal with licensing, registering and getting insurance for an class 1 pedal assist bike there is a very good chance I'll just get skip it and get a better analog bike which I expect to get cheaper as Ebikes become popular. What I'm worried about is multiple layers of compliance if you travel to different states and localities because of any reciprocity. If you own firearms you know what I'm talking about. Living in Maryland as the state is small I regularly cross lines to ride in PA, DE, WV and VA.

Complete non concern for me.
 

It’s not just road riders — e-mountain bikers are impacted, too​

We checked to see if there was an exclusion in the law that would allow eMTBs to ride without registration, but based on the language of the law, it seems that mountain bikers are affected, too: “No low-speed electric bicycle or motorized bicycle, as those terms are defined by R.S. 39:1-1, shall be operated on the public highways or on public lands of this State unless registered by the owner thereof as provided by this act.” (Emphasis added.)

E-mountain bikers will now be required to register their class 1 eMTBs and carry their driver’s license and registration with them at all times while riding. Riders aged 15-16 will be required to take a course to attain their special e-bike license, and e-bikes for kids? Forget about them — it doesn’t matter how small they are, they’re now illegal.

If you own an e-bike and want to travel to New Jersey to ride, you’ll technically need to register your e-bike in the state in order to abide by the law. According to my research, the law doesn’t include an exemption for nonresidents or temporary visitors. While New Jersey has reciprocity laws for motorcycles registered in other states, New Jersey is the first state that we know of that requires e-bikes to be registered. In essence, there’s no possibility of registration reciprocity because no out-of-state riders have ever been required to register their e-bikes before.
You’re reinforcing my point. An out of state resident can’t be held accountable for not registering their e-bike when their state doesn’t register e-bikes. It’s that simple.
 

Berk Peak confirmed NJ Title 39:5A-1 Police can enforce traffic laws on private roads. Confirms owith edge cases like bikes from out of state. Emailed Mountain Creek they were concerned and was not certain how the law was going to affect them with out of state Ebikes.
 

Berk Peak confirmed NJ Title 39:5A-1 Police can enforce traffic laws on private roads. Confirms owith edge cases like bikes from out of state. Emailed Mountain Creek they were concerned and was not certain how the law was going to affect them with out of state Ebikes.
If someone is foolish enough to give an out of state resident a ticket for not having a registered ebike they'll get it dismissed in court since their state doesn't offer the option to register bikes; and NJ registration is for NJ residents only. Again, I relate this to NJ's requirement that vehicles must have a front license plate affixed. PA residents (for example) aren't getting ticketed because their state doesn't issue front plates.

I think the real issue would be having a driver's license; or having insurance since in theory you could acquire a drivers license and insurance for your ebike. Probably be very inexpensive to have liability coverage for a bicycle though.
 
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