Another state may legalize electric motorbikes up to 30 and 40 mph under sweeping new micromobility bill

Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing a new statewide law that would sort e-bikes, scooters, and similar rides by top speed rather than by what they're called or how they look. Under the plan, regular bikes and non-motorized kick scooters fall into a "Tier 0" group allowed on sidewalks. Vehicles that top out between 21 and 30 mph, including e-bikes, e-scooters, electric unicycles, and e-skateboards, would be "Tier 1," limited to bike lanes and barred from sidewalks. Faster machines capable of up to 40 mph, or beyond that, would be "Tier 2" and "Tier 3," and would have to ride with regular traffic instead of in bike lanes or on paths.

The bill would also set some statewide rules that don't currently exist everywhere: riders would need to be at least 16 to operate powered devices, and helmets would be required for anyone on a vehicle that can go faster than 20 mph, as well as for younger riders on regular bikes. The proposal echoes Governor Maura Healey's earlier Ride Safe Act and recommendations from the state's micromobility committee. The goal is to replace the current mix of local rules, which vary from town to town, with one consistent set of statewide standards.

This is still a proposal, not a done deal, so nothing has changed yet for riders in Massachusetts. But if it passes, it would mark a shift toward regulating electric bikes and motorbikes by their speed capability rather than their design, which could matter to anyone considering buying a faster e-bike or moped-style electric two-wheeler.