Boston Police Tow More Than 30 Mopeds As Part Of Operation Kickstand

The initiative was organized in response to ongoing public safety concerns surrounding the use of scooters and mopeds in two neighborhoods.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 19, 2026 10:39 AM EDT

BOSTON, MA — The police department announced that it has towed more than 30 mopeds during a targeted enforcement operation in Roxbury this week.

Officers, detectives, and members of the department's Auto Theft Unit conducted the operation Tuesday in the areas of Blue Hill Avenue and Warren Street. According to police, the initiative was organized in response to ongoing public safety concerns surrounding the use of scooters and mopeds in the Dorchester and Roxbury neighborhoods.

The operation, known as "Operation Kickstand," resulted in 31 mopeds being towed for violations of motor vehicle laws and summonses being issued to 12 people.

Under Massachusetts law, vehicles that meet the state's definition of a moped must be registered with the Registry of Motor Vehicles and display a valid registration sticker. Operators must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver's license or learner's permit, while operators and passengers are required to wear approved helmets. Mopeds are also limited to a maximum speed of 25 mph.

The operation comes as Boston police continue conducting targeted scooter and moped enforcement efforts across the city. In May, officers assigned to District B-2 and the Auto Theft Unit conducted a similar initiative known as "Operation Safe Scooter" in Roxbury, towing 10 scooters and mopeds for motor vehicle law violations.

Later that month, a separate investigation in Dorchester led officers to nine gasoline-powered mopeds at a property on Kenberma Road. Police said none of the vehicles were properly registered, and several showed indications that they had been stolen. Three people were arrested, and eight mopeds were towed as a result of the investigation.

Boston police also conducted a two-day enforcement operation in the South End, Fenway and Back Bay in March, resulting in another 12 scooters and mopeds being towed.

The increased enforcement comes as state officials consider changes to how mopeds, scooters and other micromobility devices are regulated in Massachusetts. Earlier this year, Gov. Maura Healey filed the Ride Safe Act, legislation that would establish a speed-based classification system for the vehicles and create additional requirements for higher-speed devices.

The proposal followed recommendations released in January by the state's Special Commission on Micromobility, which was established to examine the growing use of electric bicycles, scooters, mopeds and similar vehicles and recommend updates to Massachusetts law.

Boston police said the department plans to continue conducting similar enforcement operations across the city.