E-Bikes, Scooters, & Mopeds: A Parent's Guide from MPD
Over the last few months, Medway Schools, Fire, and Police have worked together in response to safety concerns about Micromobility devices raised by residents, school staff, and the Select Board. In a plan Chief Kingsbury outlined to the Select Board in July, the schools, police and fire have been messaging about the safety and legality of these devices.
Yesterday, we saw that the messaging greatly reduced the number of devices operated by underage users on the first day of school. Our officers spoke with some students who rode devices they are not old enough to ride to school yesterday in the hopes that they can discuss the laws with their parents and make informed decisions.
We have been asked for clarity, as the laws surrounding these devices are complex, confusing, and certainly not well known or shared by many retailers who sell them.
People of all ages can ride pedal bikes on public ways and sidewalks, including to school. Persons of all ages can ride Class 1 & 2 E-bikes on the public way and to school. Persons 16 and older with a valid learner's permit or license can ride motorized scooters on the public way and to school, as some high school students legally do. E-motor bikes are for off-road use.
We plan to discuss these issues with our younger residents and with parents at parents' night at the Middle School. We will also answer any questions parents or students may have. We do not wish to take enforcement action, as our goals right now are to ensure riders are legally operating their devices and doing so safely.
Please see the attached guide for more information.
Authorized by: Chief of Police William Kingsbury
Date: September 1, 2026