Speed Tiers Replace Vehicle-Type Definitions to Standardize Statewide Rules
Massachusetts lawmakers are advancing a new micromobility regulatory framework that would classify e-bikes, e-scooters, electric motorbikes, and other personal transportation devices into four speed tiers, clearly defining where each tier may operate. If enacted, the legislation would replace the existing fragmented local regulations, positioning Massachusetts as the first U.S. state to regulate micromobility based on speed rather than vehicle type.
The proposal divides micromobility vehicles into four tiers based on maximum speed: Speed Tier 0 includes human-powered devices such as traditional bicycles and non-motorized kick scooters, which are permitted on sidewalks. Speed Tier 1 covers electric vehicles capable of reaching 21 to 30 mph (34 to 48 km/h), including e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric unicycles, which may use bike lanes but are prohibited from sidewalks and shared-use paths.
Speed Tier 2 and Speed Tier 3 introduce more significant changes, encompassing vehicles capable of 40 mph (64 km/h) and those exceeding 40 mph, respectively. Both tiers will be barred from bike lanes, sidewalks, and shared-use trails, requiring operation on roadways alongside motor vehicles. Supporters of the legislation argue that this approach avoids the need for frequent legal updates as new vehicle types emerge, emphasizing that speed-based classification is more logical than defining rules by vehicle appearance or nomenclature.
Micah Toll, an expert on electric vehicles, noted that many existing micromobility laws in other states classify vehicles based on superficial features such as pedals, seats, or handlebars, which can become obsolete as new designs enter the market. Massachusetts’ shift to a speed-tiered system could serve as a model for other states. However, Toll cautioned that the new tier names closely resemble the existing “Class 1/2/3” e-bike classifications, potentially causing confusion among riders.