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The following was submitted by the Office of Rep. Michael S. Day:
Rep. Michael S. Day recently joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass H.5562, An Act relative to economic development in the Commonwealth, a $561 million economic development bond bill that strengthens key innovation sectors, supports small businesses, expands housing opportunities and positions the Commonwealth for long-term economic growth and competitiveness.
The legislation also establishes Massachusetts’ first comprehensive framework for motorized micromobility devices, creating clear safety standards and operational rules for e-bikes, motorized scooters and similar devices.
“We have seen firsthand in Stoneham the threats they pose to our youth and community members,” said Day. “This legislation is critically needed to improve safety and it gives riders, parents and law enforcement the guidance they need to keep our children and all residents safe.”
The bill builds on work that began in 2024, when the Legislature created a special commission to study e-bikes, e-scooters and similar devices through a previous economic development bill.
The commission examined current laws, consulted with public safety officials and industry experts and submitted its recommendations to the Legislature on Jan. 31, 2026.
Earlier this year, Day met with Dr. Peter Masiakos, Director of Pediatric Trauma Services at Mass General Brigham, who treated young patients with serious e-bike injuries.
During that discussion, Masiakos shared national trends that highlighted the need for stronger safety standards. Since 2022, e-bike injuries increased by 293% nationwide, while powered scooter injuries rose by 88%. Children between the ages of 10 and 13 accounted for 44% of all e-bike injuries.
Additionally, on April 9, Day, the Stoneham Police Department and District Attorney Marian Ryan joined together for a Stoneham community forum providing residents and community partners with information and resources about e-bike safety measures.
Current regulations treat similar devices differently despite comparable speeds and abilities. For
example, some e-bikes can travel faster than 20 miles per hour without requiring a driver’s license, while motorized scooters face stricter licensing requirements.
The commission also documented misleading marketing practices and the lack of education requirements for young riders.
The new framework addresses those concerns by creating speed-based tiers, establishing manufacturing and equipment standards, requiring registration and identification, strengthening enforcement authority and prohibiting modifications that allow devices to exceed their intended speed classification.
Additionally, the section limits the use of motorized micromobility devices to people 16 years or older and requires a helmet on all speed tiers.
The legislation also establishes a new working group will continue to study data collection, public safety, and emerging technologies to ensure Massachusetts adapts as micromobility continues to expand across the Commonwealth.
H.5562 is currently before the Senate for their consideration.
