E-Bike Safety Concerns Grow In MA As Crashes, Injuries Rise

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular in Massachusetts, and police, doctors and state officials are trying to keep safety rules from falling behind.

In just one Massachusetts town, police have responded to more than 80 e-bike-related incidents so far this year. The Milford Police Department told Patch that includes disturbances, reckless operation reports and other safety concerns.

The local increase comes as Gov. Maura Healey’s proposed Ride Safe Act seeks to clarify how Massachusetts regulates e-bikes, scooters, mopeds and other micromobility devices.

Milford police said the biggest problem is not one single issue, but “education and compliance.”

“At the core of most incidents is unsafe riding behavior,” the department told Patch. “E-bikes are an excellent form of transportation and recreation when operated responsibly. However, when riders travel at excessive speeds, weave through traffic, ride in pedestrian areas, or operate modified bikes, the risk of a serious crash or tragedy increases significantly.”

In Milford, a 15-year-old boy told police he lost control of an e-bike before colliding with a driver’s car near Highland Street in March. Police said at the time it was the seventh e-bike-related incident in 10 days.

Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino warned then that the pattern could lead to a serious outcome. “We are once again urging our community to educate your children of the significant safety risks to riders and pedestrians if proper laws and safety precautions are not taken,” Tusino said. “If this trend continues, it will unquestionably result in tragedy.”

E-Bike Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts currently recognizes Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which assist riders up to 20 mph and have motors of 750 watts or less, according to the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition. Those bikes are treated similarly to bicycles, meaning riders do not need a license, but e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks and may be restricted from some paths by local governments after public notice and a hearing.

State law also requires anyone 16 or younger riding or riding as a passenger on a bicycle to wear a properly fitted helmet.

Gov. Healey filed the Ride Safe Act on May 4, which would reate a speed-based classification system for micromobility devices. Under the bill, those Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes would fall into a lower-speed category up to 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes would be defined as pedal-assist bikes that stop assisting at 28 mph.

The legislation would also create higher speed tiers for devices capable of 31 to 40 mph and more than 40 mph, require certain battery and electrical system safety standards, ban some higher-speed devices from sidewalks, bike lanes and shared-use paths and prohibit aftermarket modifications that increase speed, power or passenger capacity.

As of July 22, the bill had accompanied a study order, according to the Massachusetts Legislature’s bill history.

Healey said the proposal was aimed at public safety after more reports of reckless behavior, crashes and close calls.

“We are seeing too much reckless behavior, more crashes and close calls, and too many people, especially pedestrians and young riders, are at risk,” Gov. Healey said when filing the bill, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. “The Ride Safe Act will establish clear safety rules, hold riders accountable, reduce congestion and make our roads safer for everyone.”

• See Also: E-Bike Accident In Milford Sparks New Complaints

Issue In Several Communities

The issue has already surfaced in several Massachusetts communities.

In Marlborough, police said in May they would increase enforcement and education around e-bikes, scooters and similar devices after complaints and safety concerns grew across the city. Marlborough police said officers would focus on reckless operation, unsafe riding in roadways, failure to obey traffic laws and helmet violations involving riders younger than 17.

Doctors are raising similar concerns. UMass Memorial Medical Center’s emergency department has been seeing three to five e-bike-related trauma cases each week, up from about one per week during the same period last year. One to two weekly cases require surgery, according to Dr. Jonathan Green, a pediatric trauma surgeon at UMass Memorial.

UMass Memorial doctors said injuries have included brain bleeds, traumatic head injuries, facial fractures and major orthopedic injuries.

Milford police said parents should understand that an e-bike is not a toy.

“It is a motorized vehicle capable of traveling at significant speeds,” the department said. “We encourage riders and parents alike to educate themselves on Massachusetts laws, wear appropriate safety gear, and practice responsible riding habits. The consequences of unsafe operation can affect not only the rider but also pedestrians, motorists, and the community as a whole.”

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