Mass. Lawmakers Commit to New Rules for Scooters, E-Bikes: 'It's Completely Changed'

The Rise of Micromobility and the Push for Safer Regulations

Massachusetts legislators are taking a closer look at the growing presence of micromobility devices, such as electric scooters and bikes, and the safety concerns they pose to both riders and pedestrians. With these devices becoming increasingly common on streets and sidewalks, officials are working to address the risks associated with their use.

The issue has gained urgency following a tragic incident in which a 13-year-old boy from Stoneham was killed after an electric dirt bike he was riding collided with a car just before Thanksgiving. This event has sparked renewed calls for stricter regulations and better enforcement of existing rules.

In addition to individual incidents, the increasing number of delivery drivers using scooters and groups of motorbike riders in urban areas has also raised concerns. These vehicles often travel along sidewalks and rail trails, creating potential hazards for pedestrians and cyclists.

State Representative Jim Arciero, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, has witnessed firsthand the dangers posed by these devices. He described seeing individuals traveling at speeds of up to 30 mph on sidewalks where children are biking, highlighting the need for greater awareness and regulation.

Arciero spoke alongside State Senator Brendan Crighton, another co-chair of the transportation committee, during a panel discussion organized by the State House News Service publication MASSterlist. The conversation focused on the state’s transportation needs and funding challenges.

Both legislators emphasized the importance of improving micromobility laws and highlighted the work of the “Special Commission on Micromobility,” which they established in April. The commission is expected to release its recommendations as early as next month.

Crighton noted that the rapid increase in micromobility devices has been dramatic, with many people now using e-scooters, e-bikes, skateboards, and even unicycles. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing safety with the diverse transportation needs of urban and rural communities.

Following the tragic accident in Stoneham, Governor Maura Healey and other legislative leaders have called for action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Healey stated that officials must explore all necessary measures to ensure such tragedies do not occur again.

State House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to enforce existing rules and consider expanding them if necessary. He suggested that training and licensing requirements for users of these devices could be part of the solution.

Arciero explained that the state is considering regulations based on vehicle speed, with different tiers of rules depending on the type of device. This approach would allow some communities to implement stricter laws tailored to their specific needs.

In his suburban district near the New Hampshire border, Arciero has observed a significant increase in young people using micromobility devices without helmets, often at high speeds. He shared personal experiences of nearly being hit on a rail trail and witnessing others getting injured due to unsafe practices.

He stressed the need to regulate these devices more effectively, particularly in terms of speed and safety. “We need to get our arms around that and improve things on a safety measure and to regulate the speed,” he said.

As the debate over micromobility continues, Massachusetts lawmakers are working to create a framework that ensures safety while accommodating the growing demand for alternative transportation options. The upcoming recommendations from the Special Commission on Micromobility will play a key role in shaping the future of transportation in the state.