HAVERHILL — On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the Haverhill City Council jointly considered agenda item 5.4, Mayor Melinda Barrett’s request to support Senate Bill 3077, An Act to Enhance the Safe Use of Micromobility Devices (also known as the “Ride Safe Act”), and agenda item 15.1, submitted by Councilors Melissa Lewandowski, Shaun Toohey, and Vice President John Michitson to discuss public safety, e-bikes, and Governor Maura Healey’s Ride Safe Act.
Mayor Barrett said the number of electric bicycles and scooters in Haverhill has increased substantially since after Christmas this year, with some riders unaware of traffic laws or safety requirements. She said the city solicitor and Lieutenant Kevin Lynch, the commanding officer of the Traffic and Safety Unit of the Haverhill Police Department, were developing a local ordinance incorporating portions of the governor’s proposal.
According to Mayor Barrett, the state proposal would classify devices through a three-tiered system based on speed, prohibit modifications intended to make devices travel faster and restrict children from operating certain devices.
Councilor Lewandowski said she submitted agenda item 15.1 to enhance public education, increase awareness, and incorporate provisions of the Ride Safe Act into Haverhill’s ordinance. She noted that the item had been filed before the June 25, 2026, motorized scooter crash that killed a 12-year-old girl and critically injured another child.
More: 12-year-old girl dies after motorized scooter, bus crash in Haverhill
Haverhill Police Lieutenant Lynch, who attended the meeting and addressed the council, said some electric scooters operated by children can travel faster than 40 mph.
“The problem we have is these children don’t know the rules of the road,” Lieutenant Lynch said. “When you’re on a bicycle or a scooter, you’re supposed to abide by all the rules of the road the same as a driver does. As we know, children don’t.”
Lieutenant Lynch noted that moped operators must possess a learner’s permit or driver’s license and proposed a similar requirement for electric scooters operated on public streets.
Lieutenant Lynch also said scooter riders are supposed to wear helmets and bicycle riders should dismount before using crosswalks, but children have been seen riding motorized micromobility devices without helmets, performing wheelies, and weaving in and out of traffic. He warned that a vehicle traveling 30 mph may continue driving approximately 100 to 120 feet before coming to a complete stop after the driver recognizes a hazard and hits the brakes.
“Cars don’t stop on a dime,” Lieutenant Lynch said. “When a child pulls out in front, there’s really not much the driver is going to do.”
Other proposed provisions would allow police to impound a device operated by an individual under 18 years old who is not wearing a helmet or following traffic laws. The proposed impound periods would be seven days for a first offense, 30 days after a second offense within a year, and 90 days for a third offense. Repeat violations could also result in fines for parents or guardians. Lieutenant Lynch said the proposed provisions are required to undergo review by the city solicitor to determine which could legally be included in a local ordinance.
The council voted unanimously (11-0) to send a letter urging Haverhill’s state legislative delegation to urge the swift passage of the Ride Safe Act, and consider a statewide licensing framework and age restrictions. Councilors also voted 11-0 to refer the local proposals to the council’s Traffic and Safety Committee for further review.
