Laws by state / Massachusetts
Massachusetts
What Massachusetts's statutes say about riding each kind of personal electric vehicle. Local rules can be stricter.
E-bikes
How the law defines it: Two-class system: bicycle or tricycle with working pedals and a motor of 750 W or less. Class 1 (pedal assist) and Class 2 (throttle) stop assisting at 20 mph. Massachusetts law has no Class 3. Not a motorized bicycle or motorized scooter.
Road
Allowed
Same rights and duties as bicycle riders; may use all public ways except posted limited-access or express state highways.
Bike lane
Allowed
Same rights as bicycles.
Sidewalk
Not allowed
E-bikes may not be ridden on sidewalks.
Paths and trails
Local rules decide
Allowed on bike paths unless the city, local authority or state agency restricts them after a public hearing. Not allowed on natural-surface non-motorized trails unless the managing agency permits it after a public hearing.
- Helmet
- Required for riders and passengers 16 and under (bicycle helmet law applies to e-bike riders).
- Minimum age
- None in statute.
- Speed limit or cap
- Motor assist stops at 20 mph.
- Motor power cap
- 750 W
- License, registration, insurance
- Not addressed in statute; e-bike riders have the rights and duties of bicycle riders.
- Also worth knowing
- Manufacturers must label class, top assisted speed and wattage; tampering that changes speed is barred unless relabeled. Pedal-assist bikes that assist to 28 mph do not meet the state e-bike definition; the statute does not say how they are classified.
Checked October 26, 2026
Statutes: M.G.L. c. 90, § 1; M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B; M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B3/4
- M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B3/4 (Electric bicycles)
- M.G.L. c. 90, § 1 (Definitions)
- M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B (Bicycles)
E-scooters
How the law defines it: "Motorized scooter": 2-wheel tandem or 3-wheel device with handlebars, ridden standing or sitting, with an electric or gas motor that can propel it without human power. Excludes motorcycles, e-bikes and motorized bicycles.
Road
Allowed with limits
May use all public ways except posted limited-access or express state highways. Must keep right at all times. Daylight only: no riding after sunset or before sunrise.
Bike lane
Not addressed in statute
Not addressed in statute.
Sidewalk
Not addressed in statute
Not addressed in statute.
Paths and trails
Not addressed in statute
Not addressed in statute.
- Helmet
- Required for all riders.
- Minimum age
- No set age, but a driver's license or learner's permit is required.
- Speed limit or cap
- 20 mph
- Motor power cap
- None in statute.
- License, registration, insurance
- Valid driver's license or learner's permit required.
- Also worth knowing
- No passengers. Must have working stop and turn signals. Fines: up to $25 first offense, $25-$50 second, $50-$100 after that.
Checked October 26, 2026
Statutes: M.G.L. c. 90, § 1; M.G.L. c. 90, § 1E
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.Electric boards (incl. Onewheel-style)
Not addressed in statute. We found no Massachusetts statute that covers this vehicle by name or by a definition that clearly fits it. That isn't permission: police and cities may treat it under another category.
Checked October 26, 2026
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.Electric unicycles
Not addressed in statute. We found no Massachusetts statute that covers this vehicle by name or by a definition that clearly fits it. That isn't permission: police and cities may treat it under another category.
Checked October 26, 2026
Something wrong in this section? Tell us.