A young boy riding an electric bicycle suffered serious injuries and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment after crashing his bike in Lakewood.

The incident occurred while the child was riding the e-bike on a sidewalk. The boy was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, which may have helped prevent even more severe injuries. The cause of the accident was not immediately clear.

The incident comes as New Jersey prepares to implement new regulations on electric bicycles and scooters. Beginning in July, a new state law will require all electric bicycles in New Jersey to be licensed, registered, and insured. Supporters of the measure say the law is intended to improve accountability and safety as the popularity of e-bikes continues to grow statewide, causing a significant increase in serious injuries.

Under the bill, e-bike users 17 years of age or older would be required to register a low-speed electric bicycle and have a valid basic driver’s license issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to operate a motorized bicycle. Insurance would also be required for motorized bicycles and electric motorized bicycles.

Additionally, minors under the age of 15 are prohibited from operating an e-bike or motorized bike. Anyone 15 or 16 would have to have a permit. Also included in the wide-ranging bill is a ban on riding e-bikes without reflectors between dusk and dawn.