Gov. Phil Murphy signed the e-bike bill just hours before leaving office, setting age restrictions and making licenses and insurance mandatory for operators.

New Jersey now has some of the toughest e-bike regulations in the country.

The law bans riders who are 14 years old or younger from using motorized bicycles and scooters. Riders 15 years old and older need a license, registration and insurance. Driver's license holders don't need a separate e-bike license.

The e-bike law gained traction after deadly incidents involving riders across the state. There will be a grace period for owners to comply with the new rules.

“It is clear that we are in an age of increasing e-bike use that requires us to take action and update regulations that help prevent tragedies from occurring,” Murphy said.

Manasquan Mayor Michael Mangan and other Jersey Shore mayors were among those calling for new regulations on e-bikes. The proposals gained traction this year, with high-profile chases and fatal crashes making headlines.

“We saw an influx in these bikes over the last summer and created a dangerous situation for people on the bikes,” said Mangan. “We saw several incidents where young people would evade police officers on bikes that were capable of going 50, 60, 70 mph.”

Manchester Police Chief Antonio Ellis says from an enforcement standpoint, that will take time.

“Enforcement can mean education, enforcement can be a summons, enforcement can be a lot of different things for a lot of different people and it might be we reach out to the AG’s office with the new administration coming in,” said Ellis.

But not everyone is onboard with the new sweeping e-bike laws, like Brody Sullivan and his mother, Laurie.

“I follow all the laws, I read all the books,” said Brody, who is about to turn 14 years old.

Because of Brody’s age, his e-bike will now remain parked until he turns 15, something his mom says is not fair.

“Taking the time to get a driver’s license for him for it, it’s not needed. Not in small towns and small communities where we watch out for each other,” said Laurie.

Police departments must now work on messaging campaigns to help folks like Brody and Laurie navigate the changed regulations.

“I can’t go that far on a pedal bike. I can’t go to the beach, I can’t go to my friends' houses, and it makes it that I don’t have time to get to school in the morning on my bike. My e-bike gives me another level of freedom,” said Brody.