Did you know those increasingly popular low-speed electric bikes and scooters that are ridden on New Jersey’s roads and paths fall under the state’s motor vehicle regulations?

And that those regulations for amped-up bikes many of us use to get a little help going up big hills technically require registration, licensing and insurance?

State lawmakers believe New Jersey should ban the bike regs and scuttle the scooter rules. They’ve passed a bill (S731) to do that that’s now on Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk.

The bill applies to low-speed electric cycles with fully operable pedals and electric motors limited to 750 watts and a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Electric scooters can have a maximum speed of no more than 19 miles per hour.

Bill sponsors said these low-speed bikes offer commuters a more environmentally friendly alternative and people who may not be able to pedal a traditional bike a chance to hop back on the saddle.

“Low-speed electric bicycles are a boon for individuals who want to experience the green-friendly benefits of cycling, but may not be able to physically pedal a traditional bicycle,” said state Sen. Greenstein, D-Mercer.

“It also makes it easier for individuals who want to commute by bike to do so without a change of clothes when they arrive at work or ease the strain for delivery people who can spend hours every day on a bicycle.”

Under the bill, low-speed e-bikes and e-scooters are allowed on bike paths unless otherwise prohibited by state or local rules, but they are not generally allowed on unpaved trails.

The state Assembly passed the bill last month 76-0, and it passed the state Senate 30-1 earlier this month.

Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.