Massachusetts Targets E-Bike Safety

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is proposing to regulate your micromobility device. Of course, she is – but what is a micromobility device, anyway?

What Counts as a Micromobility Device?

More simply put, micromobility devices include e-bikes, mopeds, and scooters. I'm not sure if the motorized wheelchair the Scooter Store tried to sell me when I turned 50 qualifies as a micromobility device. I digress.

Healey has filed the "Ride Safe Act" to, in her words, "strengthen public safety."

What the Ride Safe Act Would Do

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation said the proposed law "builds on recommendations from a statewide commission created under Governor Healey's Mass Leads Act and responds directly to growing safety concerns on Massachusetts roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes, positioning Massachusetts as a national leader in regulating emerging transportation technologies."

Getty Images

Why Massachusetts Wants New Regulations

"We are seeing too much reckless behavior, more crashes and close calls, and too many people, especially pedestrians and young riders, at risk," Healey said in a statement posted to the MassDOT website.

Healey's proposal includes a "first in the nation, speed-based framework" that considers the type of micromobility device and the rider's age, "clear, enforceable safety standards to prevent injuries and crashes, and stricter rules about where the devices can operate to prevent pedestrian injuries.

Get our free mobile app

The proposed law gives "clear enforcement authority for law enforcement, ensuring officers can apply consistent rules and penalties to unsafe behavior across device types."

The legislation includes provisions for registering certain micromobility devices.

Law Enforcement Supports Proposed Changes

Communities across Massachusetts have struggled to find ways to address reckless micromobility device riders who have terrorized local streets for years. Several law enforcement officials have already endorsed Healey's proposal.

10 Important Hiking Safety Tips

Before you head off on your hike, let's go over a few tips to help keep you safe. It's best to be overprepared than underprepared, especially when it comes to your safety.

Gallery Credit: Cort Freeman

Offbeat adventures: Travel to the coolest hidden wonders in every U.S. state

Fuel your offbeat travel dreams. Stacker found the coolest hidden wonders in all 50 U.S. states (plus D.C.) using data from Atlas Obscura.

[WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter private or abandoned property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing.]

Gallery Credit: Sandi Hemmerlein