🚲 An e-bike policy reversal | Inquirer South Jersey
And Trump denied N.J.’s disaster aid request.
Good morning, South Jersey.
The New Jersey e-bike law that went into full effect earlier this month has a new update.
And after President Donald Trump denied the state’s request for federal disaster aid, South Jersey Democrat Andy Kim has concerns about the possible politics behind the decision.
Plus, several Camden County towns could owe more than a half a million dollars as part of a settlement in a class-action lawsuit, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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New Jersey’s new e-bike law was passed in January and went into full enforcement on July 19.
The state’s Motor Vehicle Commission has already made a policy change that impacts non-Jersey residents.
Here’s what you need to know before you’re ready to ride:
🚲 Everyone — including people from outside of the state — needs to register their e-bike. Out-of-state riders will need to make an appointment at the MVC and fill out a registration form.
🚲 Properly registered e-bikes will get a sticker from the MVC to display.
🚲 The law requires all riders to wear helmets and prohibits riders under the age of 15.
The Inquirer’s Amy Rosenberg breaks down the additional rules.
Back in February, New Jersey was hit with a record-breaking blizzard that resulted in thousands of power outages, school closures, and transit disruptions.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, via President Trump, earlier this month rejected the state’s request for $84 million in disaster aid after the agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration already determined that Jersey met the required levels to receive the help.
Sen. Kim said he’s worried the rejection may be partisan, but can’t say for certain. The White House has been consistent in saying Trump’s rejections for other disaster aid requests from states have not been politically motivated.
What does this mean for future requests?
New Jersey was recently hit by massive flooding, particularly in Camden and Camden County, which Gov. Mikie Sherrill said she thinks could be eligible for aid.
Reporter Aliya Schneider has the story.
What to know today
Five Camden County municipalities agreed to a settlement in a class-action lawsuit over vacant property fees. If approved in court, Barrington, Bellmawr, Runnemede, Voorhees, and Gloucester Township would collectively owe more than $500,000.
An Atlantic City lifeguard has been charged with trying to lure an underage girl who turned out to be an undercover detective, the Camden County Prosecutors Office said Thursday. The man from Egg Harbor Township was arrested in Cherry Hill.
A woman was arrested and charged after fatally shooting her boyfriend in Winslow Township while in a parked vehicle, according to local authorities. The investigation is ongoing.
Gloucester County officials are reminding residents to ensure their pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations and to avoid wildlife after a report of a rabid raccoon biting a Glassboro resident last weekend.
Thieves recently targeted two trading card shops, one in Washington Township and another in Gloucester Township, and stole thousands of dollars worth of Pokémon cards, 6abc reports. Earlier this month, a man was charged for allegedly stealing a Pokémon card worth $24,000 using fake cryptocurrency in Marlton.
Olympic figure skater Isabeau Levito, who grew up in Mount Holly and now lives in Mount Laurel, teased her upcoming programs for the 2026-27 season, including a Pirates of the Caribbean theme for her free skate.
After Avalon shut down a live band at Gully’s, the tavern is now fighting the borough’s restrictions on its liquor license.
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🧠 Trivia time
Which South Jersey township tried to shut down a Lil’ Kim concert in 1997?
A) Logan
B) Franklin
C) Winslow
D) Edgewater Park
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
🫐 Shopping for: Fresh local fruit at the Bordentown Farmers Market.
🛒 Watching: Inquirer social host Ariane Datil explain Jersey’s new ban on surveillance pricing on groceries.
🦘 Remembering: That time when Rex, a three-year-old wallaby, went missing for about a day from Lots of Love farm in Williamstown and then was found safe at a Walmart.
🏖️ Down the Shore
This “Ask Down the Shore” feature appears as part of our weekly summertime series from Shore reporter Amy S. Rosenberg. Subscribe to her free Down the Shore newsletter here.
Two weeks ago, a reader asked Amy about the dress code and she responded that most people fall into the “throw stuff in a suitcase” camp. Well, we posed the question to the Shore Line text group. Below are a few recent submissions:
“‘Down the Shore everything’s alright.’ Sure it’s OK to wear beach attire (not sandy though, and do brush ur hair 😉)"
“I don’t care how much money you have. Make an effort, for the sake of the restaurant staff and other guests, to put on clean shorts and a polo for men and a cute cover up/sundress for women. If you can’t do that, then there’s always takeout.”
“Some people, when they come to the beach, lose or abandon their sense of propriety. Decent, casual attire respects the restaurant and other diners.”
There’s still time to weigh in. Is there a baseline for what’s acceptable? Or does anything go when you’re on vacation? Email Rosenberg your thoughts at downtheshore@inquirer.com.
📸 Photo of the week
TGIF. Enjoy your weekend and I’ll see you on Monday. ☀️
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