New Jersey e-bike riders are preparing for a major regulatory overhaul as the state begins accepting appointments Friday for its new registration process, with the law set to take effect on July 20.

Under the new law, riders under the age of 15 will be prohibited from operating certain e-bikes in New Jersey.

Riders ages 15 and 16—or anyone without a valid New Jersey driver’s license—who operate a throttle-equipped e-bike capable of speeds up to 28 mph must obtain a permit, pass both a written knowledge test and a road test, register the e-bike with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), and carry insurance.

Adults over 16 with a valid New Jersey driver’s license will not be required to take the tests, but they must still register and insure qualifying throttle-equipped e-bikes.

Low-speed pedal-assist e-bikes without a throttle are exempt from the insurance requirement.

The MVC will begin accepting appointments on Friday, June 26, and is encouraging younger riders to immediately schedule their written permit test. Those who fail the test must wait seven days before retaking it.

To register an e-bike, owners must provide documentation such as a manufacturer’s certificate of origin, purchase receipt, notarized bill of sale, or an affidavit from the current owner.

The regulations also require riders of electric motorcycles or electric trikes to be at least 17 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, register the vehicle, carry insurance, and present a title when registering.

Despite the rollout, law enforcement officials say many questions remain unanswered.

Ship Bottom Police Chief Jonathan Potter said police are still awaiting guidance from the state on how some aspects of the law will be enforced, particularly regarding riders visiting New Jersey from other states where registration and insurance requirements may not exist.

“As the law is written,” Potter noted, it appears that the new licensing, registration, and insurance requirements generally do not apply to out-of-state riders, unless they are under the age of 15.

Officials say additional guidance is expected before the law takes effect on July 20.