The Massachusetts Senate voted this week to regulate electric scooters, e-bikes and other micromobility devices under a new speed-based framework, part of a broader economic development package passed after two days of debate.
The bill creates a tiered system that applies safety standards, equipment requirements and right-of-way rules according to a device’s speed, an approach designed to keep the law current as new types of vehicles come to market. It also sets a default 20 mph speed limit on shared-use paths, bars children under 14 from operating powered micromobility devices, and prohibits mopeds and similar vehicles from bike lanes and shared-use paths.
Additional provisions extend the state’s youth helmet law to cover all micromobility devices and require helmets for riders of any age on anything above the lowest speed tier, known as tier 0. The bill also sets new electrical safety standards for lithium-ion-powered mopeds, aimed at reducing fire risk, and establishes a working group to address related issues, including updates to crash-report forms and a proposed micro-ID pilot program.
Sen. Brendan Crighton, D-Lynn, the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, said existing law had not kept pace with recent advances in e-bike and scooter technology, leaving gaps in safety oversight for devices that can reach speeds of 30 mph.
“E-bikes and other micromobility devices are an important part of our transportation system, giving an affordable way for residents to get to work, school, the grocery store, medical appointments, and connect with our public transportation system,” said Crighton, whose district includes Marblehead. “As Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, I was proud to collaborate with stakeholders in municipal government, law enforcement, small business owners and transportation advocates to build a framework that prioritizes safety for everyone on our roads, bike lanes, sidewalks and trails. Striking the right balance between accessibility and safety, this policy is a critical step to prevent serious injuries and save lives.”
The bill builds on recommendations from the Special Commission on Micromobility, which released its report in January after reviewing the state’s current laws and regulations. Crighton served on the commission in his role as Senate transportation chair; other members included law enforcement officials, representatives of the Healey-Driscoll administration and transportation advocates.
The Senate has sent the bill back to the House for further consideration.
