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 existing motor vehicle operator requirements. Enhanced penalties are established for failing to comply with these reporting obligations, including fines and potential imprisonment for those who do not stop after an accident resulting in injury or death.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the legal status of operators of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters in relation to personal injury protection benefits under automobile insurance policies, responding to the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision in *Goyco v. Progressive Ins. Co.* It establishes 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 vehicles. Additionally, it mandates that law enforcement officers electronically transmit accident reports to the Department of Transportation, ensuring public accessibility to these reports. Overall, the legislation aims to improve safety, accountability, and the legal framework surrounding low-speed electric vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:6A-2