Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey files the Ride Safe Act to regulate e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds by speed, with tighter limits for faster devices.
A new bill in Massachusetts aims to bring order to the fast-growing world of e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds, using speed to determine how these vehicles should be treated on the road and in public spaces.
Gov.. Maura Healey filed legislation Monday that would overhaul how the state regulates “micromobility devices. ” introducing a speed-based system to classify them into four tiers.. The proposal. known as the Ride Safe Act. is designed to replace what Healey described as unclear and inconsistent rules with a clearer set of standards for users and law enforcement.
Under the framework, devices would be sorted by their maximum speeds.. Lower-speed models that are unpowered or capped at 20 mph would face rules aligned with bike-lane regulations. including helmet requirements and restrictions for riders under 16.. Faster devices would face progressively stricter expectations.. For the highest tier. including vehicles that exceed 40 mph. riders would be required to register and insure their vehicles. and those higher-speed devices would be barred from traveling on sidewalks. bike lanes. and shared-use paths.
This approach matters because it reflects a broader policy challenge: the public often sees micromobility as one category, when in practice the risk profile can vary dramatically by speed and capability.
The legislation would also target modifications that raise speeds beyond manufacturer limits. Healey’s administration says the bill would establish more defined enforcement authority for police, aiming to make compliance efforts more consistent when officers encounter unsafe behavior.
The measure was shaped by recommendations from a special commission on micromobility created through a 2024 economic development law.. After meeting with stakeholders and reviewing safety concerns tied to the rapid rise of these devices. the commission produced a report that helped inform how the state is moving toward a uniform regulatory structure.
While some advocates note that high-profile incidents can inflame debate. the push for action is gaining momentum amid mounting concern about crashes and near-misses involving higher-speed micromobility.. Supporters also argue the bill could help improve how crashes are tracked. which can influence where governments focus prevention efforts and infrastructure improvements.
At the same time, lawmakers are being asked to consider that safety regulation alone may not be enough. As more riders use micromobility as part of everyday travel, road design, education, and driver awareness could become increasingly important to reducing harm.
If the Ride Safe Act advances, it could serve as a model for how states grapple with emerging transportation technologies: by defining what they are, setting enforceable rules, and using data and public safety planning to keep pace with change.