NJ S3949

Expands the definition of "pedestrian" under New Jersey's automobile insurance law to include persons operating bicycles, low-speed electric bicycles, and low-speed electric scooters, making them eligible for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits when involved in accidents

Responds to the New Jersey Supreme Court decision Goyco v. Progressive Ins. Co. (May 14, 2024), which held that low-speed electric scooter operators were not "pedestrians" and thus ineligible for PIP benefits

Requires operators of low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters to comply with accident reporting requirements, including stopping at accident scenes, providing identification, and filing written crash reports within 10 days for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500

Extends hit-and-run penalties to low-speed electric bicycle and scooter operators, including fines of $2,500-$5,000 and up to 180 days imprisonment for accidents causing injury or death, plus license forfeiture

Takes effect 180 days after enactment