S 2230 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to class 3 electric bicycles

This bill updates Massachusetts laws to formally recognize Class 3 electric bicycles, which are defined as e-bikes with pedal-assist motors that stop helping once the bike reaches 28 miles per hour. It expands the legal definition of an electric bicycle to include these higher-speed models and clarifies that they must have fully operable pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less. The legislation also changes rules for where these bikes can be ridden, allowing municipalities to decide whether Class 3 e-bikes are permitted on bike paths and shared-use paths. Additionally, it removes the statewide ban on operating electric bicycles on sidewalks and adjusts regulations for natural surface trails to give local authorities more flexibility in setting rules.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Jun 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jul 3, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
3
Committee
1
Jun 27, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Mar 28, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Transportation
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors