Mass. Senate Advances E-Bike Safety Bill with New Speed-Based Rules

The Massachusetts State Senate passed an economic development package that would regulate micromobility devices, including electric scooters and e-bikes, through a speed-based framework designed to keep pace with evolving technology and address growing safety concerns.

The bill addresses advances in e-bike and electric scooter technology that have rendered existing laws outdated. It establishes adaptable statewide safety standards and includes provisions to keep young children off the powered devices. It also bans moped and similar devices from operating in bike lanes and shared use paths.

“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 State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Third Essex). “Striking the right balance between accessibility and safety, this policy is a critical step to prevent serious injuries and save lives.”

The legislation comes after the Joint Committee on Transportation – including Crighton and State Rep. Jennifer Armini (D-Essex) – met in May to discuss the transportation devices.

“They’re not always used as safely as we’d like them,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said at the hearing. “We want to keep everyone safe, support innovation and affordability and protect riders who often simply are trying to earn a living and support their families.”

The bill aims to create consistent standards for communities and police departments across the Commonwealth. Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary Phil Eng said the bill would create consistency across communities and reduce confusion over differing local guidelines.

“Without a doubt, it is a transportation mode that’s here to stay,” said Eng. “It’s about how we can make it safely done.”

Currently, officials say there is a mismatch in terminology and classifications used for data collection and safety regulations.

“The law is very convoluted when it comes to e-bikes,” Swampscott Lt. Brendan Reen previously told the Swampscott Tides. “These motorized bikes are constantly changing. They’re getting faster, and they’re more sleek.”

State Sen. Barry Finegold (D-Second Essex) shared at the May hearing that about 260,000 e-bikes are purchased annually across the country, yet “young riders really lack the knowledge and experience of how to handle these machines.” In North Andover, part of Finegold’s district, officers have reported receiving two to three complaints per day about “unsafe e-bike driving and kids failing to follow road rules.”

From February through May, Swampscott police responded to 26 calls involving e-bikes, scooters or mopeds, according to Reen. The incidents ranged from “juvenile problem,” “disturbance,” “motor vehicle accident,” “motor vehicle accident with personal injury,” and “erratic operator.”

The State Senate bill sets a statewide default speed limit of 20 mph on shared-use paths to reduce crashes and establishes electrical safety standards for lithium-ion-powered mopeds to help prevent fires.

Legislation also establishes a multi-tiered speed-based system to apply standards and restrictions. The tiers announced at the May hearing were: