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HD 2475

An Act relative to moped safety

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

Defines mopeds by engine, speed, and safety standards and requires all moped operators to hold a motorcycle license.

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Bill Summary · HD 2475

Summary: An Act relative to moped safety (House Docket No. 2475)

Overview

House Bill 2475, introduced in the 2025-2026 Massachusetts General Court by Rep. Thomas W. Moakley, titled “An Act relative to moped safety,” aims to redefine what constitutes a moped and to require operators of mopeds to hold a motorcycle license. The bill text reworks the legal definition of mopeds and sets licensing requirements intended to improve safety and regulatory clarity for low-speed motorized bicycles.

Key Provisions

  • New definition of moped (Section 1):

    • A moped is defined as:
    • A pedal bicycle with a helper motor, or a non-pedal bicycle with a motor;
    • Cylinder capacity of no more than 50 cubic centimeters (cc);
    • Automatic transmission;
    • Maximum speed not more than 30 miles per hour;
    • Complies with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.
    • An important caveat: if a moped does not have a restrictor plate, it shall be classified as a motorcycle.

  • Licensing requirement for moped operators (Section 2):

    • The operator of a moped must obtain a motorcycle license.

Implications and Nuances

  • Classification interplay: The bill explicitly creates a classification distinction based on the presence of a restrictor plate. Mopeds without a restrictor plate are treated as motorcycles for classification purposes, which, in turn, interacts with the licensing requirement that horsepowers or operator credentials for mopeds be motorcycle licenses.

  • Safety and compliance: By tying mopeds to federal safety standards and requiring a motorcycle license, the bill seeks to raise operator training, testing, and regulatory oversight for mopeds.

Who and What Is Affected

  • Moped riders and owners in Massachusetts would be subject to the new definition and licensing requirement.
  • Motor Vehicle Registry (RMV) would implement the licensing change and determine how mopeds are classified and licensed in practice.
  • Moped manufacturers and retailers may need to ensure compliance with the new definition (e.g., engine displacement, speed capabilities, and safety standard conformity).
  • Law enforcement and safety programs could see changes in enforcement and education related to mopeds.

Timelines and Procedure

  • The bill text provided here does not specify an effective date or transition period.
  • As introduced, if enacted, regulatory implementation would likely involve RMV rulemaking and public guidance on licensing requirements and vehicle classification.

Quick Take

  • Establishes a formal moped definition with specific engine size, speed, and safety standard criteria.
  • Requires all moped operators to hold a motorcycle license, potentially expanding who must obtain such credentials.
  • Introduces a classification nuance based on restrictor plate status, affecting vehicle categorization and regulatory treatment.

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

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