THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 31, 2026 Page 3 Senate passes E-Bike Safety Policy T Special to Th e Advocate he state Senate this week passed an economic development package that regulates micromobility devices, including electric scooters and e-bikes by adopting an innovative speed-based framework to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and address widespread safety concerns. “E-bikes and other micromobility devices are an important part of our transportation system, giving an aff ordable way for residents to get to work, school, the grocery store, medical appointments, and connect with our public transportation system,” Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) said in a press release issued by his offi ce. “As Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, I was proud to collaborate with stakeholders in municipal government, law enforcement, small business owners, and transportation advocates to build a framework that prioritizes safety for everyone on our roads, bike lanes, sidewalks, and trails,” Crighton said. “Striking the right balance between accessibility and safety, this policy is a critical step to prevent serious Injuries and save lives.” Recent advances in e-bike and electric scooter technology have rendered existing laws insuffi cient to ensure the safe use of these devices, according to Crighton. This bill accounts for these developments by establishing universal and adaptable safety standards, along with further provisions that keep young children off of powered devices, some of which can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour, and ban mopeds and similar devices from operating in bike lanes and shared use paths. The legislation establishes a multi-tiered speed-based system to apply standards and restrictions to each vehicle, ensuring that the bill includes more devices as they become available in the future. Each speed tier has increased restrictions, ensuring that safety remains a top priority. The tiers apply standards of the types of safety features that must be built into the vehicle, safety requirements for vehicle operators, as well as right of way allowances. Additionally, the bill includes a statewide 20 miles per hour default speed limit for shared use paths to reduce crashes, additional electrical safety standards on lithium-ion powered mopeds to prevent them from becoming fi re hazards, and prohibition on operation of powered micromobility devices for children under 14 years of age to keep children off of the most dangerous devices. It extends existing youth helmet law to all micromobility devices and requires all users regardless of age to wear protective headgear when operating anything above tier 0. The legislation also establishes a working group to iron out other priorities, such as updating the crash report form, and establishing a micro-ID pilot program. The provisions in the economic development bill build 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. Releasing their report in January 2026, the Commission reviewed current laws and regulations, making recommendations to support the expanding use of micromobility devices throughout the Commonwealth. Senator Crighton had the opportunity to serve as a commission member in his capacity as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. Other commission members included law enforcement, members of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and transportation advocates. The Senate passed the bill and sent it back to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
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