Electric bicycle enthusiasts in Massachusetts may be hitting the brakes on a new summertime hobby as Beacon Hill is considering new regulations and costs for e-bike users.
Gov. Maura Healey is proposing legislation that would require an annual registration, liability insurance, and an official Massachusetts license plate for all electric bicycles in Massachusetts, while also banning the popular products from bike lanes and walking and bike paths.
The bill, called An Act to Enhance the Safe Use of Micromobility Devices (S. 3077), was filed by Healey on May 4 and will be taken up by the Joint Committee on Transportation on May 28.
“A motorized bicycle shall not be operated upon any way, as defined in section one, within the commonwealth without obtaining an annual registration and sticker or plate bearing a distinctive number, by application as prescribed by the registrar,” Healey’s legislation reads, going on to impose bans on where e-bikes can be used.
“Motorized bicycles shall be excluded from operating on bike lanes and off-street recreational bicycle paths,” it says.
But Healey’s bill dives even deeper into Bay State e-bike users’ pockets, even requiring e-bike owners to acquire and pay for liability insurance. E-bike owners will be required to present a certificate with proof of insurance in order to obtain a Massachusetts registration for the so-called “micromobility devices.”
“No motorized bicycle shall be registered under this section unless the application therefor is accompanied by a certificate as defined in section 34A or unless the registrar is otherwise satisfied that the provision of compulsory liability insurance has been met for such applicant and motorized bicycle,” the bill says.
Registration of specific e-bikes would be divided based on the top speed of each device through a tier system. Speed Tier 1 devices, for example, include “powered micromobility devices with a maximum manufacturer-assisted or designed speed, whichever is higher, between 21 miles per hour and 30 miles per hour,” with Speed Tier 2 including such devices with maximum speeds between 31 and 40 miles per hour. Speed Tier 3 devices include e-bikes with maximum speeds of 40 miles per hour or more, according to the legislation.
Healey’s bill would also require anyone under the age of 16 to wear a helmet while operating or as a passenger on any e-bike. It would also require anyone, including adults, operating or riding as a passenger on any Tier 1-3 e-bike to wear a helmet.
“Micromobility is already a part of how people get to work, school and around their communities, but right now, the rules are unclear and inconsistent,” Healey said in a press release announcing the legislation, which she is calling the Ride Safe Act, for short.
“We are seeing too much reckless behavior, more crashes and close calls, and too many people, especially pedestrians and young riders, are at risk. This bill is about protecting people and preventing tragedies before they happen,” she said.
Before the Transportation Committee even takes up the bill, key members are already voicing their support for the bill, signaling a potential smooth transition back to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
“This legislation builds off of the critical work and recommendations of the Special Commission on Micromobility which focused on providing much-needed guidance for our cities and towns, promoting the responsible development of these new transportation options, and improving the safety of all road users,” said Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation Brendan Crighton (D-3rd Essex).
“Micromobility devices are playing an increasingly important role in how people move throughout the Commonwealth, but our laws have not kept pace with this exponentially growing mode of transportation,” added House Chair of the Committee Rep. James Aciero (D-2nd Middlesex).
“I appreciate the Governor filing this important legislation to begin the discussion to build a better and safer transportation network,” he said.
The legislation also calls for a working group consisting of several representatives from MassDOT, DPH, DCR, the Executive Office of Public Safety and other state entities to “develop recommendations for a regulatory scheme and additional legislation for the operation of micromobility devices,” as well as come up with financial penalties for violators along with additional regulations and requirements.
“The working group shall make recommendations for requirements for micromobility registration or identification decal, licensure to operate, clarify the roles of dealers and manufacturers, education, speed restrictions, signage, travel allowances, insurance requirements, fines and penalties and additional operation and safety standards and requirements for micromobility devices,” the bill says.
If passed and signed into law, the legislation would take effect on January 1, 2028.
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