You’ve done the research and you finally invested in the best electric bike for beginners based on your personal riding preferences. As a resident of the Garden State, you know that New Jersey has a wealth of state parks and protected preserves to explore, not to mention convenient bike paths through urban and suburban areas. In May 2019, the state passed a law classifying ebikes with speeds up to 20 miles per hour and motors of less than 750 watts as low-speed electric bikes. These vehicles can travel anywhere a traditional bicycle can go as long as you obey the relevant laws for cyclists. Review the best places to ride your electric bike in New Jersey this summer.

Cooper River Trail

Enjoy the urban beauty of the Philadelphia suburbs with this four-mile loop ride through residential Camden County, South Jersey. While you’ll park in a deceptively busy area just off the highway, you’ll soon find yourself amidst the serene riverside habitate of herons, egrets, raptors, bald eagles and countless other birds. In the next few years, this route will also offer direct access to Philadelphia via the Camden Greenway, which in turn connects to 800 miles of trails in the Circuit Trails bike network.

D&R Canal Path

This peaceful ride along the Delaware River will take you all the way from Titusville in Mercer County to Frenchtown in Hunterdon County. Along the way, this gravel path passes by iconic New Jersey sights, including Bull’s Island State Park and Prallsville Mill. Extend your ride into a loop by crossing the river in Frenchtown and riding back to your starting point along the Pennsylvania border of the Delaware.

Elephant Swamp Trail

Explore the wetlands and farms of rural South Jersey with a ride on the whimsically named Elephant Swamp Trail. This 5-mile one-way excursion provides views of flora and fauna alike in rural Elk Township, Gloucester County. Don’t miss a stop at one of the local diners you’ll find when you reach the other end of the trail in Elmer, Salem County.

Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway

This 8.7-mile path is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and begins at the Sandy Hook entrance. The paved terrain will appeal to those who prefer an on-road cycling experience without sacrificing the chance to pedal by landmarks such as historic Fort Hancock, Horseshoe Cove and Sandy Hook Bay. You can easily extend this route for a longer ride by starting on the adjacent Henry Hudson Trail, which traverses Twin Lights State Park and several other points of interest.

Sussex Branch Trail

If you’ve been searching for the best hybrid bicycles 2021 for months and finally made your selection, try out your new ride on this 9-mile trail from Lafayette to Andover in Sussex County. As you navigate the dirt and gravel surface of this repurposed rail bed, you’ll enjoy the lush greenery of this part of the state. Enjoy a cool breeze as you pass through the towering rock walls at the Andover Slate Cut and enjoy shredding the rugged trails at Kittaninny Valley State Park. 

With such a range of terrain to choose from, you’ll never get bored when exploring New Jersey on your beach cruiser bike. Get ready to experience the unique beauty of this often overlooked coastal state.