Press Release: 5/5/2026

Governor Healey Files Ride Safe Act to Strengthen Public Safety, Regulate E-Bikes, Mopeds and Scooters

 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



5/04/2026



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Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary



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Call Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at (617) 725-4025



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Email Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at jacqui.manning@mass.gov



BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today filed legislation to strengthen public safety and regulate micromobility devices, like e-bikes, scooters and mopeds. An Act to enhance the safe use of micromobility devices, otherwise known as the “Ride Safe Act,” 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. 



Micromobility devices are already part of daily life for many Massachusetts residents and businesses, but current law provides limited guidance that creates confusion and increases safety risks for riders, pedestrians and law enforcement. As warmer weather approaches and more residents take to roads, Governor Healey is acting now to address rising safety concerns such as reckless driving and crashes, and ensure communities have clear, consistent rules in place to keep people safe. 



“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,” said Governor Maura Healey. “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. The Ride Safe Act will establish clear safety rules, hold riders accountable, reduce congestion and make our roads safer for everyone.” 



“Communities across Massachusetts are already seeing the benefits of micromobility, but they need clear guidance to keep people safe,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This legislation gives cities and towns the tools they need to enforce rules, protect pedestrians and riders, and reduce dangerous behavior on our streets.” 



“Given the importance of safe mobility options for all and the rapidly growing use of micromobility devices, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the legislature led the way when they established the Commission on Micromobility.  This Ride Safe Act marks the next critical step under the Administration to proactively ensure micromobility options are available and can grow safely as an integral part of our transportation network,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “There is a lot of enthusiasm for micromobility among residents across the Commonwealth, and new devices are being introduced all the time, making this a very dynamic area of transportation. This approach balances innovation and access while prioritizing safety across our roads and infrastructure. I want to thank the Commission for their thoughtful work that has provided the foundational framework for this important initiative.”    



The Governor’s legislation creates a consistent, statewide safety framework focused on reducing crashes, protecting vulnerable road users and giving law enforcement clear authority to act. It introduces a new system that regulates devices based on speed rather than device type, helping ensure rules keep pace with rapidly evolving technology while addressing the real safety risks that come with higher-speed devices 



Key provisions of the legislation include: 




  • 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.  

  • Clear, enforceable safety standards to prevent injuries and crashes, including: minimum age requirements for operating certain e-bikes and scooters, including requiring riders of higher-speed devices to be at least 16 years old, helmet requirements for specific device categories, including requirements for riders under 16, mandatory safety equipment  such as lights, reflectors and braking systems to improve visibility and reduce collisions.  

  • Stronger rules about where devices can operate to protect pedestrians and reduce conflicts, including restricting higher-speed devices from sidewalks, bike lanes, roadways, and other high-risk areas. 

  • Increased accountability for higher-speed and modified devices, including restrictions on unsafe modifications that increase speed beyond manufacturer limits and create dangerous conditions.  

  • Clear enforcement authority for law enforcement, ensuring officers can apply consistent rules and penalties to unsafe behavior across device types.  

  • Improved crash data collection to better track injuries and identify safety risks, helping the state target future safety improvements and infrastructure investments. 

  • New authority for the Registry of Motor Vehicles to respond quickly to new technologies without waiting for additional legislation to ensure that safety rules keep pace with new devices entering the market.  

  • A statewide working group to guide next steps, including recommending future policies on registration, enforcement and infrastructure. This legislation builds on the work of the 15-member Special Commission on Micromobility, which filed its report in January 2026 following extensive engagement with state agencies, municipalities, advocates, businesses and law enforcement, industry and advocates. The bill reflects the Commission’s recommendations to create a clear, statewide framework while allowing flexibility to adapt to rapidly evolving technology.  



“This first in the nation legislation offers both the state and municipalities a clear policy framework to reduce confusion about use and speed as more of these devices take to our roads and pathways,” said Samantha Silverberg, MassDOT Undersecretary of Transportation Policy. “And by enhancing data collection, it will significantly help us improve safety and better design infrastructure in the future. Overall, the legislation will help residents make safer use of these devices to access transit, commute, and recreate across the state.” 



“The Ride Safe Act reflects strong partnership across public safety, transportation, municipalities, and stakeholders, and a shared commitment to improving safety” said Public Safety and Security Deputy Secretary Susan Terrey. “By establishing a clear, statewide framework, this legislation will reduce confusion for riders and law enforcement, improve safety, and support safer streets for everyone who uses Massachusetts roads.” 



By creating clear, consistent and enforceable rules across the state, the legislation will reduce confusion, strengthen enforcement and improve safety for riders, pedestrians and drivers alike. Improved crash data collection will also help inform future investments and target interventions where safety risks are highest. 



This legislation is part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s broader efforts to protect public safety on Massachusetts roads, lower transportation costs, reduce congestion and expand access to safe, reliable ways to get around. From investing in public transit to promoting innovative solutions like micromobility, the administration is focused on giving residents more choices and building a transportation system that meets the needs of today and the future. 



Statements of Support: 



Senator Brendan Crighton, Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Transportation: 

“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. We appreciate Governor Healey’s leadership and look forward to hearing from all stakeholders as the bill makes its way through the legislative process.” 



Representative James Arciero, House Chair, Joint Committee on Transportation: 

“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. There is a need for a clear, consistent framework that both supports these flexible transportation options and prioritizes the safety of pedestrians and other vulnerable users. I appreciate the Governor filing this important legislation to begin the discussion to build a better and safer transportation network.” 



Timothy King, In-House Counsel, Massachusetts Coalition of Police:  

“The creation of categories related to speed makes it possible to create a safer environment for all users of our roadways, bike infrastructure, and sidewalks. Enforcement is necessary and this legislation goes a long way in assisting law enforcement in their efforts in protecting every one of us.” 



Beverly Police Chief John G. LeLacheur: 

"This Commission was an important collaboration between public safety, legislators and the business community, to regulate the emergence and rapid expansion of Micromobility Vehicles on the roadways and trails of the Commonwealth." 



Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra: 

“Micromobility is already helping more people get around Northampton in affordable and sustainable ways, and municipalities have been working in real time to make it work well for everyone. We appreciate the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s leadership in establishing a clear statewide framework that gives communities the guidance and tools we need to build on that progress while keeping people safe.” 



Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch:  

"We appreciate Governor Healey's proactive approach to help Cities and Towns to keep our sidewalks and streets safe while dealing with the increasing use of e-bikes, mopeds and scooters. Establishing rules and regulations for the micromobility devices will provide added safety for our residents, visitors and businesses as well as for users of the micromobility devices."   



Cambridge City Manager, Yi-An Huang: 

“Micromobility is an important part of Cambridge's regional effort to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can get around the region safely, affordably, accessibly, and in a way that can help us meet our climate goals. These devices offer people another convenient option for traveling short distances. It’s important to us to have unified foundations in place to make sure people can operate them safely.” 



Brendan Kearney, Executive Director, WalkMassachusetts: 

"We can't fix what we don't measure; currently, crash reports aren't required if a motor vehicle isn't involved. By modernizing vehicle definitions and closing the gap in crash reporting, the Ride Safe Act gives communities another tool to design safer streets for every person walking, biking, and rolling in Massachusetts." 



Scott Mullen, Transportation Demand Management Director, A Better City: 

"Thank you to Governor Healey's vision and leadership in filing this important bill, which is a critical first step toward creating safer streets for all," said Scott Mullen, TDM Director at A Better City. "This bill will implement some of the priority recommendations of the Special Commission on Micromobility Report, which offers a clear roadmap to harness micromobility, and the significant benefits of reduced congestion and cleaner air that come with it, as we enter a growth phase and scale up in a meaningful way." 



Naroa Coretti Sanchez, Research Scientist, MIT Media Lab| City Science: 

"As a Commission member, I’m glad to see the Ride Safe Act advance recommendations that bring greater clarity to current and emerging micro-mobility systems. Speed-based definitions, designed to remain relevant as technologies evolve, along with improved crash reporting, are key to safely integrating lightweight modes while supporting innovation and a shift toward active mobility.” 



Galen Mook, Executive Director of MassBike: 

"We are pleased to see the administration moving forward on the recommendations from the Special Commission on Micromobility. This bill will help standardize the fragmented regulations we're seeing pop up around the state, and since transportation is a regional concern, we need a statewide approach. This bill also sets a sensible way of laying the foundation for the future of transportation, since we want to encourage the growth of low-impact personal mobility and expand the options that help people get around the Commonwealth safely."