By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
As popularity continues to gain traction and the summer surges on, e-bike usage has continued to rise. An e-bike, or an electrical bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a small, electric motor and battery that is used to allow riders to peddle faster and further, according to REI. Massachusetts currently recognizes two classes of electric bicycles: Class 1 and Class 2.
A Class 1 e-bike is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling. The motor stops assisting once the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
A Class 2 e-bike has a throttle-actuated motor that can propel the bicycle without pedaling. Motor assistance also ends when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
Both Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are treated the same as traditional bicycles under Massachusetts law. They are permitted to operate on public roads and in designated bicycle lanes. Riders younger than 17 are required to wear a helmet.
E-bikes that have been modified to exceed 750 watts of motor power or a top assisted speed of 20 mph may no longer qualify as Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes. In those cases, they may be classified as motorized bicycles, which are subject to additional requirements, including state registration, a learner's permit or driver's license for operation, and helmet use for riders of all ages.
In May, due to the increase of accidents across the state, Governor Healy filed the “Ride Safe Act,” which was a bill that aimed to regulate e-bikes, e-scooter, and moped usage. “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,” Governor Healy stated, “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.”
Under this filing, these classes would be broken down into different tiers. According to Boston25News, the tiers would include:
● “Tier 1 e-bikes, capable of traveling 21 to 30 mph, would be allowed in bike lanes but prohibited from sidewalks and shared-use paths.
● Mopeds and scooters traveling more than 30 mph and up to 40 mph would be banned from bike lanes, bike paths, sidewalks and shared-use paths.
● Riders under the age of 16 would not be allowed to operate motorized bikes capable of speeds greater than 20 mph.
● Helmet use would be required for all e-bike riders.”
This proposal was prompted due to the increase of emergency room cases related to e-bike related injuries. Supporters believe that this bill will improve safety for riders, pedestrians, and drivers alike. While this bill is still pending and, if passed, would not take effect until January 1, 2028. However, there are some important tips that riders can use to ensure their safety in the meantime:
1. Riders sixteen years of age or younger must always wear a helmet
2. Riders must obey all traffic lights, signs, and laws
3. Riders must not ride on the sidewalk
4. Riders should use bike lanes when available
5. Riders must keep their eyes on the road and phone in their pocket
6. Ride with traffic
7. Riders should aim to be predictable as drivers and pedestrians cannot avoid what they
cannot see
8. Riders should not ride recklessly; no speeding, wheelies, riding against traffic, weaving in and out of traffic, carrying passengers, or using headphones
9. Riders should ensure that the bike matches the riders age and experience to prevent serious injury
10. Ride at a safe speed and know where riders can and cannot ride
E-bikes are not a toy and parents need to ensure that their children are aware of the rules of the road before their first ride. Have fun and be safe.
