peopleforbikes Massachusetts’ Electric Bicycle Law Owner’s Manual

: June 9, 2024
: peopleforbikes

Table of Contents

Massachusetts’ Electric Bicycle Law
eMTB GUIDELINES
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Massachusetts’ Electric Bicycle Law
Owner’s Manual

Massachusetts’ Electric Bicycle Law

MASSACHUSETTS’ ELECTRIC BICYCLE LAW FOR THE ROAD

In Massachusetts, an electric bicycle is deﬁned as a “motorized bicycle” as long as its maximum speed is 25 mph. As motorized bicycles, electric bicycles are not subject to the same rules of the road as regular bicycles.
Electric bicycle riders must carry an operator’s license and are subject to registration requirements. Electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements.
Helmets are required, and there is a 16 year age minimum for electric bicycle use. Electric bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks or bike paths.

eMTB GUIDELINES

On federal, state, country and local trails, electric mountain bike (eMTB) access varies signiﬁcantly.
Generally, any natural surface trail that is designated as open to both motorized and non-motorized uses is also open to eMTBs.
eMTBs may not be allowed on trails managed for non-motorized activities.
Do not ride your eMTB in areas where the local rules are unclear. Ride legally and only on authorized trails to show that mountain bikers are responsible trail users.
When in doubt, ask your local land manager about access to speciﬁc trails. Local land rules change frequently.

CHECK OUT

A map of great eMTB rides at peopleforbikes.org/emtb
eMTB “Adventures” at peopleforbikes.org/electric-bikes

MASSACHUSETTS’ ELECTRIC BICYCLE LAW FOR TRAILS

LOCAL: Consult your local land management agency.
STATE: The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) deﬁnes electric bicycles within the three class system. Class 1 electric bicycles are permitted on improved DCR trails of 8 feet in width or greater, in places where vehicular traffic is permitted and bicycles are not otherwise prohibited, and in bicycle lanes on DCR roadways.
FEDERAL: There is little federal land managed for recreation in Massachusetts. However, for reference, eMTBs are considered motorized vehicles and have access to motorized trails on federal lands.

GREAT eMTB RIDES IN MASSACHUSETTS

Pittsﬁeld State Forest
Pittsﬁeld | 39 miles
October Mountain State Forest
Lee | 69 miles

With an electric bicycle, bicyclists can ride more often, farther, and for more trips.
Electric bicycles are designed to be as safe as traditional bicycles, do not compromise consumer safety, and beneﬁt bicyclists who may be discouraged from riding a traditional bicycle due to limited physical ﬁtness, age, disability or convenience.
In many states, electric bicycles are regulated under antiquated laws primarily aimed at combustion engine vehicles such as mopeds or scooters. PeopleForBikes is clarifying state laws governing the use of electric bicycles in the U.S. Every state’s law is different, but the objective is to ensure that low-speed electric bicycles are regulated similarly to traditional, human-powered bicycles.

peopleforbikes Massachusetts’ Electric Bicycle Law