Massachusetts E-Bike Laws FAQ
How does Massachusetts define "e-bike"?
As of August 10, 2022, the e-bike definition language was signed into law as amendments to the Transportation Bond Bill (H.5151) to include Class 1 and Class 2 definitions for e-bikes. This law went into effect 90 days from signing, on November 8, 2022.
CLASS 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph, with an electric motor of 750 watts or less.
CLASS 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph, with an electric motor of 750 watts or less.
Note: MassBike will continue to advocate for a Class 3 definition in order to match MA law with federal definitions and statewide regulations set by the Department of Conservation of Recreation.
Do I need a license to ride an e-bike in Massachusetts?
No, you don't need a license to ride an e-bike in Massachusetts! Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles are not considered to be "motorized bicycles" as further defined in MA law, as such no license is required to ride them.
Where can a ride an e-bike in Massachusetts?
Almost anywhere you currently ride a traditional bicycle!
- Allowed on roadways and in bike lanes
- Allowed on bike paths & paved trails, except where prohibited by local jurisdictions (check for signage!)
- Not allowed on sidewalks
- Not allowed on natural surface trails, except where specifically allowed by local jurisdictions (check for signage!)
Can I ride an e-bike on sidewalks?
No, e-bikes are now allowed to be ridden on sidewalks in Massachusetts.
Can I ride an e-bike on my local bike path?
Under Massachusetts law, e-bikes are allowed on bikeways and bike paths. However, a local jurisdiction may regulate and prohibit their use on bikeways/bike paths, but only after a public notice and public hearing. So, make sure to check for signage before you ride in case e-bikes are prohibited where you wish to ride.
Can I ride an e-bike on local natural surface trails (mountain bike trails)?
In Massachusetts, e-bikes are not allowed on natural surface trails, unless they are specifically permitted by the local jurisdiction/land owner. Check the regulations on the trail you wish to ride before you go!
General E-Bike FAQ
What other states use the classification system in this bill?
Michigan, Illinois, Connecticut, Arizona, Washington, Tennessee, Arkansas, Colorado, Utah, and California.
Why is the top speed for Class 3 e-bikes 28 MPH?
These rules would provide uniform product standards between the US and European markets, where bikes with a top speed of 45 kph (approximately 28mph) are classified as a “speed pedelec.”
I have read the federal definition of an e-bike and it says that the top speed is 20MPH. How are class 3 e-bikes legal given the federal definition?
The 20 MPH threshold applies when the e-bike is being operated “solely” under motor power. However, e-bikes are most commonly ridden under a combination of human and motor power. The federal definition does not provide a top speed for when an e-bike is being operated under combined human and motor power. The class 3 definition clarifies this ambiguity by specifying the maximum assisted speed for e-bikes at 28MPH.
Can e-bikes be safely operated on bike paths?
Yes. Researchers who have compared riders of e-bikes and regular bikes at the University of Tennessee observed that e-bikes riders exhibit similar safety behavior as riders of traditional bicycles. Perhaps most importantly, e-bike riders traveled at similar speeds to riders of human powered bicycles. They rode slightly faster when riding on the road (+1.8 mph), but actually slower than regular bikes riders when on bicycle paths (-1 mph).
Why not regulate e-bikes at the federal level?
E-bikes have been regulated federally since 2002. However, as with other consumer products, the federal regulations are limited to product safety. They do not specify where e-bikes may be ridden or what rules of the road govern their use. While the federal government can intervene in these matters in very rare situations, the rules of the road are generally a matter of state law. Other emerging technologies have followed the same path of creating new state traffic laws to address the use of these devices on our streets. This includes segways, autocycles, and commercial quadricycles.
How can anyone tell what an e-bike is?
E-bikes are becoming more and more difficult to distinguish from regular bicycles. The labeling requirement in the model bill is a proactive measure on behalf of the industry to ensure that law enforcement or land managers can easily tell that a bicycle is in fact an e-bike, and quickly asses which type of e-bike it is.
Can people tamper with e-bikes?
Like other mechanized or motorized devices, it possible that a user could tamper with an e-bike. We have inserted a tampering provision in the model bill that will place the onus on the owner to have a properly labeled bike if that were to occur. If a someone was to tamper with an e-bike and create a machine that can travel faster than any of the specified classifications of e-bikes, they would presumably be operating an unlicensed and unregistered vehicle, and would be subject to any applicable penalties.
Who is the typical purchaser of an e-bike?
All types of people purchase and use e-bikes, especially older, baby-boomer purchasers, parents who want to carry children as passengers and cargo, and people who prefer the purchase of an e-bike over a car.
How many e-bike are sold each year in the U.S.?
Approximately 260,000 e-bikes are sold annually in the U.S. However, they are the fast growing segment of the bicycle sales, with approximately 75% year over year growth.
How much do e-bikes cost?
Entry-level e-bikes are about $1,500.
Why distinguish between class 1 and class 2 e-bikes in the bill if the rules are the same?
The distinction between these two types of e-bikes provides for greater local flexibility. Some municipalities have demonstrated an interest in prohibiting throttle-powered e-bikes from certain types of infrastructure, and this bill provides the flexibility to take those measures if they are desired on a local level.
Does the rider have to be pedaling for the e-bike's motor to be engaged?
It depends on the type of e-bike. For Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes, the rider must be pedaling for the motor to be engaged. For Class 2 e-bikes, the motor can propel the e-bike without the rider pedaling.
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