This bill amends New Jersey law to extend personal injury protection benefits to individuals operating bicycles, low-speed electric bicycles, or low-speed electric scooters involved in accidents. It modifies the definition of "pedestrian" to include these operators, ensuring their eligibility for personal injury protection coverage. The legislation also introduces new accident reporting requirements, mandating that operators must stop and provide necessary information at the scene of an accident, similar to the obligations of motor vehicle operators. Additionally, it clarifies the responsibilities of these operators in reporting accidents that result in injury or property damage and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

Furthermore, the bill addresses the implications of the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision in *Goyco v. Progressive Ins. Co.*, which previously excluded operators of low-speed electric scooters from pedestrian status. It creates a permissive inference that the registered owner of a vehicle involved in an accident is responsible if they fail to report the incident, with exceptions for rental and leased vehicles. The bill also mandates that law enforcement officers electronically transmit accident reports, ensuring public accessibility to these documents. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance safety and legal protections for individuals using bicycles and electric scooters on New Jersey roads.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:6A-2