A 22-year-old Morristown man was charged with multiple motor vehicle offenses under New Jersey’s new e-bike law after police said he lost control of a high-powered electric bicycle, crashed and sustained serious injuries Saturday on Martin Luther King Avenue.
The crash happened at 11:39 a.m. near the intersection of Coal Avenue, according to a Morristown police report.
Officer Bryan Holmes found Tayson Y Reyes-Albarado lying near the double yellow line west of Coal Avenue while Morristown firefighters treated him. The e-bike came to rest against the south curb of Martin Luther King Avenue.
Witnesses told police Reyes-Albarado was traveling toward the Coal Avenue and Flagler Street intersections when he struck a raised speed bump/crosswalk, lost control and overturned. He hit the roadway and slid to a stop, witnesses said. Police said all witnesses agreed no other vehicle was involved.
Reyes-Albarado was partially conscious but not alert at the scene, according to the report. He was treated by the Morristown Fire Department, Atlantic EMS and a Mobile Intensive Care Unit before being taken to Morristown Medical Center.
Holmes later attempted to interview him at the hospital but reported that Reyes-Albarado was unable to provide a statement. The officer noted he suffered extensive road rash and a suspected head injury after partially losing consciousness.
Police identified the vehicle as an electric bicycle equipped with both pedal assist and a throttle. According to the report, it was powered by a 750-watt motor with an 864-watt-hour battery, capable of speeds up to 31 mph, and was set to its highest speed level at the time of the crash.
Holmes concluded the e-bike fell under New Jersey’s new vehicle classification requiring registration, liability insurance and a motorcycle endorsement because of its performance capabilities.
Reyes-Albarado was issued summonses for failure to maintain insurance, operating without a valid license, driving while his driving privilege was suspended and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.
His condition could not be confirmed Tuesday.
The summonses appear to be among the first issued locally under New Jersey’s revised e-bike law, which took effect July 19, 2026.
The legislation created new classifications for electric bicycles based on their speed and power. Lower-speed e-bikes must be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, while faster throttle-equipped models require registration, liability insurance and appropriate licensing. Riders also must meet age, licensing and helmet requirements.
The law followed a series of fatal e-bike crashes in New Jersey and growing concern among state officials over increasingly powerful electric bicycles. According to Columbia University researchers cited by state officials, e-bike injuries nationwide increased 293% between 2019 and 2022.
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I see people riding e-scooters and e-bikes EVERY time I am on south street. It’s a hazard for pedestrians. Nothing is visible as far as enforcement. They just ride happily by the signs that prohibit it 🙄 feel sorry for this guy though – he just injured himself.
The police need to enforce the laws of riding any type of bicycle, scooter, skateboard or E bikes on the sidewalks. Someone is going to get hurt.
The E Bikes need to be walked while on the sidewalks. They are too fast and dangerous for pedestrians. They are like a regular motor bike. Hope the driver is ok but these bikes are not toys.