Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of January 2026, Massachusetts regulates electric scooters under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 1E.
The state classifies these devices as Motorized Scooters, a category that includes any two or three-wheeled tandem device with handlebars, designed to be stood or sat upon, and powered by an electric motor.
State-level classification and definition
According to M.G.L. c. 90, § 1, a motorized scooter is defined by its mechanical build rather than its power source.
Design: Any device with two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard or seat.
Exclusions: This category specifically excludes motorcycles, motorized bicycles (mopeds), and three-wheeled motorized wheelchairs.
Licensing and age requirements
Massachusetts maintains some of the stricter licensing requirements in the United States for micromobility.
License: No person may operate a motorized scooter without a valid driver's license or learner's permit (M.G.L. c. 90, § 1E).
Minimum Age: Because a permit or license is required, the effective minimum age is 16 years old.
Identification: Riders must carry their license or permit at all times while operating the vehicle.
Registration and insurance status
The legal status of registration is currently in a transition period due to 2025-2026 legislative sessions.
Current Law: Under existing statutes, motorized scooters are not classified as motor vehicles and do not require registration with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
Pending Legislation: House Bill 3738 (introduced in 2025 and extended into March 2026) proposes a mandatory registration process, number plates, and an insurance policy for all motorized scooters.
Performance and equipment limits
To be legally operated on public ways, a scooter must meet the following specifications:
Speed: The vehicle must not be operated at a speed in excess of 20 mph.
Signals: Scooters must be equipped with operational stop and turn signals so that the rider can keep both hands on the handlebars at all times.
Brakes: Adequate braking systems are required to ensure safe stopping distances.
Passengers: Carrying any passenger is strictly prohibited (M.G.L. c. 90, § 1E).
Nighttime operation ban
Massachusetts is unique in its strict prohibition of nighttime riding. This may seem odd, but it is the result of legislative 'lag' - electric scooters are still bundled in with small gasoline fun bikes (sometimes known as 'monkey-bikes') which appeared in the early 2000's and are not practically equipped for night riding in the same way as Bo Model-M.
House Bill 3738 is currently being debated in the Massachusetts legislature. If passed, it would officially separate electric kick scooters from gas-powered ones and likely allow for nighttime riding provided the scooter has proper lights.
However, the committee's deadline to report on this bill was recently extended to March 18, 2026. Until that bill passes, the nighttime ban is still technically enforceable.
Restricted Hours: No person shall operate a motorized scooter upon any way at any time after sunset or before sunrise.
Visibility: This ban applies regardless of whether the scooter is equipped with high-intensity headlights or reflective gear.
Operational rules and riding areas
Scooters generally follow the same rules as bicycles regarding road positioning.
Roadways: Riders have the right to use all public ways except limited-access or express state highways where bicycles are prohibited.
Lane Positioning: Operators must keep to the right side of the road at all times, including when passing other vehicles.
Sidewalks: Riding on sidewalks is generally prohibited, and most cities (including Boston and Cambridge) enforce strict bans on sidewalk use in business districts.
Helmet laws
State law regarding headgear is mandatory for all operators of this vehicle class.
Requirement: Every person operating a motorized scooter must wear protective headgear (a helmet) that meets the standards prescribed by the registrar (M.G.L. c. 90, § 1E).
Compliance: Unlike bicycles (and every other state!), there is no adult exemption for helmets when operating a motorized scooter in Massachusetts. This is because electric kick scooters are still bundled in with larger 'Vespa' style vehicles, where the higher speed capability makes helmets essential.
Until a standalone "Electric Kick Scooter" law that aligns with bicycle standards (such as the proposed House Bill 3738) is passed, e-scooters remain stuck in the "Motorized Scooter" category.
Disclaimer: Bo USA Inc. endeavours to keep these documents up to date and relevant, however does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the included findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States. Always carry out secondary research to validate any statement - and refer directly to the relevant authority before presuming accuracy.
Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin riding electric scooters should refer to their local governments to obtain the most up-to-date information on the applicable, local legal standing of scooters.
The Bo Model-M: Since the electric scooter is legal in Massachusetts, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to have a real integrity and quality to its manufacture. This means it will bring you pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, it is interesting to know that Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took plasticky toys and ruggedised them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for local journeys.
Of course, you can only really feel the benefit of that when you ride it for yourself; that is why we give an extraordinary 60 day return policy and have a customer response team full of the engineers who made it. When you contact Bo, you're going straight to the source.
Visit the Model M page - click here
Learn more about how we made the 'M' - click here
Go watch a Youtube about the Model-M - click here
Return to the State-by-State regulation page - click here
