Press Release  MassDOT Announces Special Commission on Micromobility

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing the creation of a Special Commission on Micromobility that will be responsible for studying current state and local regulations and developing recommendations to expand micromobility use to help achieve shared goals for increasing mobility options, emission reductions, and economic vitality. Micromobility vehicles include bicycles, scooters, e-bikes, skateboards, uni-wheels, and other small personal travel devices. The commission is a result of Governor Healey’s economic development legislation, the Mass Leads Act. 

“MassDOT is proud to launch the Special Commission on Micromobility—a cross-secretariat initiative dedicated to examining the current landscape of micromobility regulations in Massachusetts and shaping thoughtful recommendations for the future,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Micromobility options like e-bikes and e-scooters offer exciting opportunities to strengthen our transportation network. Through this Commission, we aim to advance policies that prioritize safety, support innovation, and expand access for communities across the Commonwealth.”

“DCR manages a vast trail network across the state that thousands of people use every day for recreation, exercise and transportation,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We’re excited to work with our partners on the Special Commission on Micromobility to evaluate how e-bike, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices affect how people travel on our trails and parkways and how we can ensure that all users have a safe and comfortable experience.” 

“The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security looks forward to collaborating with the Special Commission to explore policies regarding Micromobility and its role in our transportation infrastructure,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Our commitment to public safety requires us to balance innovation and accessibility with the need to ensure safe usage, the protection of pedestrians and drivers, and establish clear enforcement guidelines.” 

"MassBike is encouraged to see the State thinking and working holistically about the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging mobility technology.” said Galen Mook, Executive Director at MassBike. “An increasing number of folks in Massachusetts are getting around on e-bikes, scooters, one-wheels, and different accessibility and mobility devices. We may be catching up to the realities of how folks are rolling on our streets, sidewalks, and paths, but we know that by providing more options for more people to get around more often will help Massachusetts prepare for the future of transportation."

“Micromobility adoption has grown rapidly in recent years and represents a real opportunity to ease congestion, reduce emissions, and expand transportation options for people,” said Scott Mullen, Transportation Demand Manager at A Better City. “Thank you to Secretary Tibbits-Nutt and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for seizing this opportunity to advance a thoughtful classification and regulatory regime and roadmap for future growth to help communities across the Commonwealth scale micromobility.”

Following a series of public meetings, the commission will deliver a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature. 

Special Commission on Micromobility Members:

For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/special-commission-on-micromobility 

###