Park Ridge Police Crack Down on Illegal E-Bikes: Parents Warned as Impounds Rise

photo courtesy of the Park Ridge Police Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Park Ridge, NJ — The Park Ridge Police Department (PRPD) has been cracking down on a growing problem: illegal electric motorcycles and e-bikes being ridden on local roadways. Over the past several weeks, officers have spotted and impounded multiple unregistered electric cycles, with the department joking that its garage is starting to look like a used motorcycle dealership.

Why These Bikes Are Illegal in New Jersey

PRPD officers stressed that many of the seized vehicles are not legal e-bikes under New Jersey law. Key indicators include:

• No pedals: A true legal e-bike must be pedal-assisted. If it doesn’t have pedals, it’s not an e-bike.

• Registration required: These types of electric cycles must be registered, insured, and operated by a licensed driver.

• Unsafe operation: Police have seen juveniles attempting to elude officers on these cycles, creating serious safety risks for both riders and the public.

Risks for Riders and Parents

Authorities warn that operating an illegal cycle can lead to:

• Court charges for the juvenile rider

• Vehicle impoundment

• Risk of serious injury in crashes due to unsafe riding

“Parents, please educate yourself on the laws and talk to your kids about safe and legal riding,” PRPD said in a statement. “If these illegal cycles are on the road, don’t be surprised if yours ends up in our collection.”

What’s Legal in NJ?

In New Jersey, legal e-bikes must:

• Be pedal-assisted

• Meet equipment requirements for brakes and lights

• Be ridden by licensed operators if classified above a certain motor output

• Follow all roadway safety rules

The department also shared a detailed breakdown of what types of bikes are legal in NJ, along with registration and licensing requirements.

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