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

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Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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