(Boston, MA) Massachusetts is the next U.S. state to initiate new micromobility laws as Governor Maura Healey has filed An Act to Enhance the Safe Use of Micromobility Devices (S. 3077), otherwise known as the “Ride Safe Act”, to regulate micromobility devices, such as e-bikes, scooters and mopeds.
Filed in early May, the speed-based framework establishes four tiers to create clearer distinctions between legal e-bikes and higher-powered motorized vehicles.
The new legislation defines Tier 0 devices as those capable of traveling up to 20mph (32kph) with Tier 1 devices capable of traveling at speeds between 21mph (33kph) to 30mph (48kph). Tier 2 devices are defined as being capable of speeds of 31mph (50kph) to 40mph (64kph) per hour and Tier 3 devices as those capable of speeds of 41mph (65kph) or more.
Tier 0 and Tier 1 devices, which correspond to People for Bikes’ 3-class system, remain tied to bicycle and electric-bicycle access rules, while the bill separately restricts Tier 2 and Tier 3 devices, excluding them from bike lanes and off-street recreational bicycle paths. In addition, these higher-speed devices would be limited to riders age 16 and older and face stricter requirements, including registration, and insurance.
“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. “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.”
According to cycling advocacy group, MassBike’s executive director Galen Mook, “The report is very dense and complex, and we certainly appreciate the speed-based criteria (for classification). We think it’s sensible and clear, future proof, makes it easy for identification for retail purposes, for enforcement purposes, etcetera.
“I’ll speak for myself and for MassBike in that we still have more work to be done on the operational requirements and specifically the travel restrictions that we are seeking from this work. My specific concern is the prohibition of users, safely, on protected infrastructure: bike paths, protected bike lanes, sidewalks, etc. Through this bill, and the tiering of the classifications, there are certain tiers that would be prohibited even if they are being ridden safely.”
Read Gov. Maura Healey’s press release here; MassBike’s testimony here; and more in the Boston Herald here.
