Electric Bikes Laws Massachusetts
Both must follow the same rules of the road as stipulated by the local governments.
Electric bikes laws massachusetts. You also must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver s license or learner s permit. Bike law massbike provides a comprehensive summary of massachusetts bike law that covers equipment riding safety standards races violations and penalties. For more information on massachusetts electric bike laws click here. Your rights you may ride your bicycle on any public road street or bikeway in the commonwealth except limited access or express state highways where signs specifically prohibiting bikes have been posted.
Bikes on the t mbta explains when and how you can bring your bike on the subway commuter rail or bus. General laws of the commonwealth of massachusetts chapter 85 section 11b. Of transportation information on plans and initiatives supporting bicycle transportation. Riders have to wear a helmet and electric bikes can be ridden on all public ways and bike paths though they are not allowed on express highways or off street recreational bike paths.
Under massachusetts state law an e bike can be interpreted as being a motorized bicycle which would make e bikes subject to different rules of the road from regular bicycles such as. When using a motorized bicycle you need to follow all of the state s traffic laws and regulations. As you can see there are many bike laws in massachusetts that are similar to other states but there are some things that you will want to keep in mind because. Current e bike law in massachusetts.
How an electric bike is defined. The state of massachusetts does not require electric bikes to be registered if they meet the definition of a low speed electric bicycle under federal law i e the bike must have 2 3 wheels fully operable pedals an electric motor of less than 750 watts and a maximum speed of 20 mph when powered solely by the motor. Massachusetts e bike law for the road in massachusetts an e bike is deļ¬ned as a motorized bicycle as long as its maximum speed is 25mph. Virginia laws that cover electric bicycles include va.
You can t drive faster than 25 miles per hour. You need to register your motorized bicycle with the massachusetts registry of motor vehicles. E bikes are allowed on sidewalks and bike paths but are subject to local city or county restrictions. As motorized bicycles e bikes are not subject to the same rules of the road as regular bicycles.
E bikes are not subject to the registration licensing or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.