State Representative Arciero and the Massachusetts House Pass Micromobility Safety Framework included in Economic Development Bill
Press Release from the Office of State Representative James Arciero
Published on July 9, 2026
BOSTON – State Representative James Arciero, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, announced the House's passage of H.5562, An Act relative to economic development in the Commonwealth, a $561 million economic development bond bill that includes the Commonwealth's first comprehensive framework to regulate micromobility devices, including electric bicycles, scooters, mopeds, and other emerging forms of transportation.
The legislation makes strategic investments to strengthen Massachusetts' economy through housing, workforce development, innovation, and small business growth while also modernizing the Commonwealth's transportation laws by establishing statewide safety standards and operational rules for the rapidly growing use of micromobility devices.
“Micromobility has become an important part of how people commute, recreate, and connect with their communities across Massachusetts, but our laws have not kept pace with this rapidly evolving mode of transportation,” said Chairman Arciero. “This legislation establishes a clear, common-sense framework that supports innovation while prioritizing the safety of pedestrians, riders, and other vulnerable users. It provides the clarity our communities have been asking for and lays the foundation for a safer transportation network across the Commonwealth.”
The legislation builds upon the recommendations of the Special Commission on Micromobility, which was established through the 2024 economic development bill to examine the growing use of micromobility devices and recommend a statewide regulatory framework. As House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, Chairman Arciero served on the Commission throughout its year-long review alongside transportation officials, public safety leaders, municipal representatives, industry stakeholders, and advocates before the Commission issued its final report in January 2026.
Under the legislation, micromobility devices are classified based on their maximum manufactured speed:
Speed Tier 0 (Up to 20 mph): Includes traditional bicycles, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, mobility aid devices such as powered wheelchairs, and other powered micromobility devices with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Speed Tier 1 (21–30 mph): Includes Class 3 e-bikes, electric scooters, hoverboards, electric skateboards, and mopeds with a maximum manufactured speed of up to 30 mph.
Speed Tier 2 (31–40 mph): Includes higher-speed powered micromobility devices and limited-use motorcycles with a maximum manufactured speed between 31 and 40 mph.
Speed Tier 3 (Over 40 mph): Includes motorcycles and other motorized vehicles capable of traveling above 40 mph.
These classifications determine where devices may operate, establish applicable safety requirements, and provide a consistent statewide framework for future regulation as new technologies continue to emerge.
Recognizing the growing number of serious injuries involving micromobility devices, particularly among children, the House strengthened the legislation by establishing a minimum operating age of 16 for powered micromobility devices and requiring helmet use for operators and passengers riding higher-speed devices.
“We heard compelling testimony from pediatric trauma physicians, parents, municipal leaders, and public safety officials about the increasing number of preventable injuries associated with these devices,” Arciero said. “The House's addition of a minimum operating age reflects our commitment to protecting children while ensuring these devices can continue to serve as a safe and reliable transportation option.”
The legislation also establishes a statewide working group composed of transportation officials, public safety professionals, municipal leaders, and industry experts to develop recommendations on registration, licensing, insurance, education, crash data collection, and additional safety standards. The working group will help ensure Massachusetts' regulatory framework continues to evolve alongside advances in micromobility technology.
“Transportation is constantly evolving, and our responsibility as policymakers is to ensure our laws evolve alongside it,” Arciero said. "This legislation provides the framework we need today while giving Massachusetts the flexibility to respond to future innovations. It is an important first step toward creating a safer transportation system that works for everyone who shares our roads, bike lanes, sidewalks, and shared-use paths."
H.5562 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.