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H 3743

An Act relative to moped safety

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Thomas Moakley

H.3743 defines mopeds (≤50cc, ≤30 mph) and requires moped operators to hold a motorcycle license; those with restrictor plates stay mopeds, others become motorcycles for licensing.

Reporting date extended to Friday, July 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 3743

Summary: H.3743 — An Act relative to moped safety

Overview

H.3743, introduced by Rep. Thomas W. Moakley, seeks to enhance safety for mopeds in Massachusetts by clarifying the definition of a moped and by requiring mopeds to be operated under a motorcycle license. The bill is currently in the Transportation committee process, with a reporting date extended to March 18, 2026.

  • Bill number: H.3743
  • Title: An Act relative to moped safety
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Filed: January 16, 2025 (House Docket No. 2475)
  • Status: Reporting date extended to March 18, 2026
  • Related actions: Referred to the committee on Transportation; Senate concurred; hearing dates noted; HD 2475 is listed as related/replacing

Key Provisions

1) Definition of “Moped”
- The bill adds a new definition of “moped” to Chapter 90, Section 1 (as it appears in the 2022 Official Edition) immediately after the definition of “Mobile telephone.”
- A moped is defined as either:
- A pedal bicycle with a helper motor, or
- A non-pedal bicycle with a motor
- With these specifications:
- Cylinder capacity of no more than 50 cubic centimeters (cc)
- Automatic transmission
- Maximum speed not exceeding 30 miles per hour
- Compliance with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards
- A moped that does not have a restrictor plate shall be classified as a motorcycle.

2) Licensing Requirement
- Section 8 of Chapter 90 is amended to require that the operator of a moped obtain a motorcycle license.

Licensing Implications

  • Mopeds meeting the “moped” definition (including those with restrictor plates) would be subject to the licensing framework for motorcycles.
  • Mopeds lacking a restrictor plate that otherwise fit the definition would be classified as motorcycles for licensing purposes.

Who Is Affected

  • Moped operators in Massachusetts: under the new definition, they would be subject to motorcycle licensing requirements.
  • Those using mopeds with a restrictor plate would fall under the moped classification; those without such a plate would be treated as motorcycles for licensing and related requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative status and actions:
    • Referred to the Senate/House Transportation committee on February 27, 2025.
    • Hearing dates scheduled/rescheduled for June 24, 2025 (two committee locations noted: A-2 and B-2).
    • Senate concurrence noted in the actions.
    • Report date extended: originally set for 2025, now extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
  • Related items:
    • Related bill HD 2475 (replaces)
    • House Docket No. 2475 accompanying the bill
  • Filing and docket details:
    • Filed January 16, 2025
    • House Docket: No. 3743

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Safety: The licensing change aims to ensure operators have verified motorcycle skills/training, potentially reducing accidents involving mopeds.
  • Compliance: MPOs with mopeds would need to obtain a motorcycle license, which may affect riders, training providers, and testing facilities.
  • Classification nuance: The restrictor-plate provision creates two tracks within the moped/motorcycle framework, potentially affecting how some devices are regulated and taxed.

If you’d like, I can add a brief section comparing this bill to existing MA moped/motorcycle rules or provide a one-page quick-reference checklist for affected riders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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