Citing reckless behavior, more crashes and close calls, here is how Massachusetts Governor Healey’s plan will regulate e-bikes, scooters and mopeds

BY ELLA ADAMS

STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, May 4, 2026…..Gov. Maura Healey sent a proposal to the Senate on Monday that aims to regulate e-bikes, scooters and mopeds through a “speed-based framework.”

The Senate referred the bill governing the use of so-called micromobility devices (S 3077) to the Committee on Transportation.

“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. “We are seeing too much reckless behavior, more crashes and close calls, and too many people, especially pedestrians and young riders, are at risk.”

The bill builds on micromobility commission recommendations released in January. Transportation Committee Co-chairs Sen. Brendan Crighton and Rep. Jim Arciero in December labeled micromobility as a priority. The fatal crash of a teen on an electric dirt bike in Stoneham in November spurred conversations about e-bike safety. 

The Healey proposal aims to reduce congestion, make roads safer and “hold riders accountable,” her office said, by proposing a “first-in-the-nation, speed-based framework.” 

“For example, lower-speed e-bikes would follow bike lane rules with helmet requirements and protections for riders under 16, while higher-speed devices like mopeds would be limited to riders age 16 and older and face stricter requirements, including registration, insurance and roadway restrictions,” according to a press release from the Healey administration. 

Healey said in a filing letter to lawmakers that the bill also sets equipment requirements for some devices like lights, reflectors and braking systems and sets helmet requirements for specific device categories.  

The lowest tier in the system, “Speed Tier 0,” includes unpowered micromobility devices and powered devices “with a maximum manufacturer assisted or designed speed, whichever is higher, of 20 miles per hour,” according to the bill. 

“Speed Tier 1” encapsulates powered devices that travel between 21 miles an hour and 30 miles an hour; “Speed Tier 2” includes devices that travel between 31 and 40 miles per hour; and “Speed Tier 3” includes devices that travel faster than 40 miles per hour. 

According to the administration, the bill restricts “higher-speed devices” from sidewalks, bike lanes, roadways, and other “high-risk areas”; restricts modifications that increase speed beyond manufacturer limits; gives law enforcement authority to enforce rules and penalties; and improves crash data collection to track injuries and identify safety risks. 

Under the proposal, the Registry of Motor Vehicles would have the authority to create regulations related to micromobility device use, “to respond quickly to new technologies without waiting for additional legislation to ensure that safety rules keep pace with new devices entering the market,” the administration said. 

A statewide working group would be established to guide next steps about registration, enforcement and infrastructure.  

Ella Adams is a reporter for the State House News Service and State Affairs Massachusetts. Reach her at ella.adams@statehousenews.com.