PRESS RELEASE
WILDWOOD, NJ - Zippy's Bikes, a longtime fixture on Pacific Avenue in downtown Downtown Wildwood, is proud to announce its selection as the recipient of the 2026 Environmental Leadership Award from the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, while continuing its advocacy of legislation that protects access to low-speed electric bicycles and supports sustainable transportation throughout New Jersey.
Selected by the Chamber's membership, the Environmental Leadership Award recognizes businesses and individuals who put environmentally responsible practices into action. The award celebrates organizations that understand the importance of reducing waste, conserving resources and making sustainability part of everyday business operations.
For Zippy's Bikes, environmental responsibility extends beyond the storefront. The business recognizes that sustainable transportation can benefit residents, workers, visitors and the coastal communities that make Cape May County a premier tourism destination.
"Receiving this award is a tremendous honor for our team and a recognition of the importance of doing our part to protect the community we serve," said Scott Chambers, owner of Zippy's Bikes. "Here in the Wildwoods, our environment is directly connected to our economy. Our beaches, waterways and natural resources are essential to our way of life, and we believe businesses have a responsibility to help preserve them for future generations."
Fighting the future of low-speed e-bikes, Zippy's needs your support
Alongside this recognition, Zippy's Bikes is working with the statewide New Jersey E-Bike Coalition to correct New Jersey's recently enacted e-bike law, which took effect in July 2026 and created significant uncertainty for riders, retailers and communities across the state.
The coalition has welcomed the introduction of S4830, sponsored by State Senator Raj Mukherji, which would remove driver's license and registration requirements for low-speed electric bicycles while maintaining appropriate regulation of higher-speed electric vehicles.
The proposed legislation addresses a central concern raised by Zippy's Bikes and other bicycle retailers: traditional low-speed electric bicycles should not be treated the same as high-powered electric motorcycles, commonly referred to as e-motos.
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, generally designed for speeds of up to 20 mph, provide an accessible and practical transportation option for people traveling to work, running errands and enjoying New Jersey's communities. For many residents, these bicycles are more than recreational products. They are an affordable way to get around without relying on a car.
The current law has created confusion about the requirements for riding low-speed e-bikes, undermined consumer confidence and placed unexpected financial pressure on independent bicycle retailers. In a tourism-dependent community such as the Wildwoods, those consequences extend beyond bike shops to hospitality workers, local businesses and visitors who reply on electronic bicycles for convenient transportation.
"This is a major step forward in the fight to correct New Jersey's flawed e-bike law," Chambers said. "Throughout 2026, low-speed e-bicycles have been unfairly lumped together with high-speed electric motorcycles, creating widespread confusion, damaging public confidence and threatening a legitimate industry that serves communities across our state. The consequences are real. New Jersey's tourism industry is being affected, and small, family-owned bike shops are facing unexpected financial losses through no fault of their own.
"Let's be clear, low-speed e-bikes are not e-motos, and the law must recognize that distinction. We need clear, consistent, common-sense legislation that addresses legitimate safety concerns without unnecessarily penalizing responsible riders, local businesses and the tourism economy that so many New Jersey communities depend on.
Sustainability, access and public safety can work together
Zippy's Bikes supports responsible e-bike regulation and roadway safety. The goal is not to eliminate oversight, but to ensure that regulations reflect meaningful differences between low-speed electric bicycles and higher-speed motorized vehicles.
S4830 represents a potential path toward restoring that distinction, reducing unnecessary barriers for low-speed, e-bike riders, and maintaining stronger requirements appropriate for higher-speed devices.
The issue is particularly important in shore communities, where seasonal employees and year-round residents use bicycles between homes, restaurants, hotels, Boardwalk businesses and other workplaces. Affordable transportation options help support the workforce that keeps New Jersey's tourism industry operating.
By encouraging practical, lower-impact transportation while advocating for clear safety standards, Zippy's Bikes believes New Jersey can support environmental goals, strengthen local economies and protect mobility for residents and visitors alike.
"The team at Zippy's Bikes and our customers welcome this legislative development," Chambers said. "We appreciate Senator Murkerji's efforts to address the concerns that riders, retailers and communities have raised. But the job is not finished until meaningful corrections are enacted and low-speed e-bike riders and businesses have the clarity they deserve. It's time for New Jersey to get this right."
VIDEO ~ Info about Prosposed Bill S4830
A commitment to Cape May County and New Jersey
The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce will present the 2026 Environmental Leadership Award at its 82nd Annual Meeting and Installation Dinner on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
For Zippy's Bikes, the award recognizes the business's environmental commitment while reinforcing the broader importance of sustainable transportation and responsible business practices in a coastal community.
As the legislative process continues, Zippy's Bikes will remain engaged with the New Jersey E-Bike Coalition, policymakers, industry partners and community stakeholders to advocate for legislation that distinguishes low-speed e-bikes high-speed electric motorcycles.
"Our commitment has always been to our customers, our community and the future of the Wildwoods," Chambers added. "We are proud to be recognized for our environmental efforts, and we will continue working toward sensible e-bike legislation that supports sustainability, protects public safety and allows New Jersey residents and visitors to enjoy the benefits of low-speed, electric bicycles.
About Zippy's Bikes
Zippy's Bikes is an independent bicycle retailer on Pacific Avenue in Downtown Wildwood, New Jersey. Founded in 2011, the business serves residents and visitors throughout the Wildwoods and surrounding shore communities, providing bicycles and supporting the region's cycling and tourism industry.
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