Plymouth Select Board Advances Electric Bicycle Safety Regulations Following Rising Injury Concerns
PLYMOUTH - October 14 - The Plymouth Select Board took initial steps Tuesday toward implementing comprehensive electric bicycle regulations, following a presentation showing a sharp increase in e-bike-related accidents and emergency calls in the community. The proposed regulations would require e-bike registration, mandate minimum age requirements, restrict where the devices can operate, and establish penalties for violations—making Plymouth one of the first Massachusetts communities to pursue such extensive controls on the rapidly growing form of transportation.
The Full Story
Health and Human Services Commissioner Michelle Bratti presented alarming data showing 48 e-bike related calls for service to Plymouth Police over an 18-month period—nearly matching the 47 motorcycle complaints during the same timeframe. The data revealed a steady monthly increase beginning in 2025, with a sharp peak in July. Most calls involved erratic operation, use of e-bikes on major highways, and safety hazards for both operators and pedestrians.
“We’re looking at this to not suggest that teenagers can’t ride e-bikes,” Bratti explained. “We owe it to them to give them the tools to make the best decisions and to educate them as to the rules of the road.” The presentation emphasized that the initiative focuses on education and safety rather than punishment or restricting privileges.
The public health presentation cited nationwide concerns from medical professionals. Dr. Peter Papadakos of the Neurocritical Care Society warned that “the growth and accessibility of these devices has been associated with a sharp uptick in deaths, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ injuries, and extremity fractures.” Locally, Plymouth Police crime data showed incidents concentrated in three hotspot areas: Pine Hills, Commerce Way, and downtown Plymouth.
Preliminary data from the town’s ongoing Community Health Assessment survey revealed that 51.2% of respondents expressed some level of concern about e-bike use and safety, underscoring resident anxiety about the issue.
Town Counsel Kate McKay presented draft special legislation that would establish six key requirements for e-bike operation in Plymouth. Every electric bicycle would need to be registered through the Plymouth Police Department and display an identifiable sticker, placard, or marking. Operators would need to be either 16½ years old with a valid driver’s license or 18 years old regardless of license status—designed to ensure operators have received driver education and understand traffic rules.
Under the proposed regulations, e-bikes would only be permitted on public and private roads and designated bike lanes, with prohibitions on bike paths, bikeways, paved trails, natural surface trails, sidewalks, and beaches. All riders and passengers would be required to wear properly secured helmets at all times. When within 10 feet of pedestrians or other cyclists, e-bike operators would need to reduce speed and pass with caution at no more than a specified speed above the pedestrian’s pace. Additionally, operators would be required to signal their presence by voice, bell, or bike horn before overtaking others from behind.
Enforcement would occur through non-criminal disposition with fines of $100 for first offenses, $200 for second offenses, and $300 for third or subsequent offenses. Police could also impound e-bikes for violations.
Board members raised numerous implementation concerns during the discussion. Select Board member Kevin Canty questioned whether the Police Department has capacity to handle a licensing system similar to a “mini RMV function.” Police Chief Dana Flynn acknowledged the administrative burden but confirmed the department previously issued bicycle licenses “way back in the day” for theft prevention purposes. “Whatever we can do, certainly to alleviate some of the problems we’ve been having and enhance the safety and the use of these types of bicycles, we’d certainly be happy to help with,” Flynn said.
Canty also raised concerns about Plymouth’s status as a tourist community, noting that visitors from surrounding towns or seasonal guests might be unaware of local regulations. He requested information on the success rates of similar regulations implemented in other Massachusetts communities including Amherst College, Boston, Lowell, Hanover, Milford, and Nantucket.
Board member Deb Iaquinto expressed support for the education and licensing components but raised concerns about prohibiting e-bikes from bike paths entirely. “There are a lot of people that are responsible bike riders who will have an e-bike just because they don’t have the complete mobility to pedal constantly for five miles or whatever,” she noted, suggesting the restriction might exclude residents who rely on electric assist for accessibility reasons.
Chair David Golden agreed, stating he found the roads-only restriction problematic since “roads are the most dangerous places for these devices.” Flynn confirmed that most accidents occur on roads, particularly involving younger operators showing “disregard for rules of the road.” The chief noted the devices are “very, very nimble” and can speed away quickly, adding that officers don’t chase them “out of fear of causing more problems.”
McKay explained that the board faces two potential pathways: pursuing special legislation through the state legislature, which could take six months to a year and a half, or adopting a local bylaw subject to Attorney General approval within 90 days. However, McKay expressed uncertainty whether the Attorney General would approve key provisions like registration requirements, age limitations, and operational restrictions, as no other community has tested these specific measures. Nantucket’s more limited bylaw focusing only on passing conduct is currently under Attorney General review until December 10.
Town Manager Derek Brindisi suggested the board could pursue both approaches simultaneously—a “belt and suspenders” strategy including a severability clause in the bylaw so approved portions could take effect while awaiting legislative action on rejected elements.
The board directed staff to refine the regulations and return for additional discussion in early November, allowing multiple review sessions before the December 17 town meeting warrant deadline. Board member Bill Keohan emphasized urgency, noting expert warnings that serious injuries are “not if, it’s when.”
In other business, the board unanimously approved a new annual all-alcohol general on-premises license for Triton Beverage Group, LLC, doing business as Mayflower Brewing Company at 12 Resnick Road. Michael McNamara, president and owner of Triton Beverage Group, told the board he has been “working closely with Drew Purcell from Mayflower on the purchase of the Mayflower Brewing Company and really excited to, you know, kind of, as we go into the next chapter here with Mayflower.”
The board also discussed the future of its “Town Hall on the Road” meetings, which bring select board sessions directly to neighborhood locations. Keohan advocated for reaching out to steering committees and town meeting members in advance to identify priority issues for each neighborhood meeting while maintaining open public comment periods. Canty emphasized preserving the organic, community-driven nature of the meetings, noting “the benefit of going to the community and meeting people where they are is they’re going to tell you things that you wouldn’t have heard otherwise.” The board agreed to publish planned discussion topics in advance while maintaining flexibility for community-raised issues, and to conclude each meeting with clearly articulated action items.
Regarding permitting and business processes, Canty requested future agenda items to streamline the process for donating open space parcels, develop easier navigation of town regulations for businesses, and create a comprehensive town-wide guide to permitting. Keohan supported these initiatives, describing a vision for making Town Hall more “user-friendly” with improved signage, greeting procedures, and navigation assistance throughout the building.
Brindisi provided updates on several infrastructure projects. The Halfway Pond Road and Long Pond Road intersection improvement project has completed asphalt paving and line striping, with traffic signals installed but awaiting final components expected in late November. The project should be complete by Thanksgiving. The Full Sail parking lot on St. Charles Avenue has been cleared of overgrown brush and debris, with layout and improvements continuing through winter for completion by early spring. The town is piloting temporary speed bumps donated by Matt Sheridan on Wareham Road for approximately one month to assess effectiveness before potentially installing permanent speed bumps.
Plymouth received approximately 6.5 inches of rain over the recent weekend, among the highest totals statewide. Brindisi thanked fire, police, and Department of Public Works crews who worked throughout the weekend clearing fallen trees and debris from roadways to maintain emergency vehicle access.
The board also addressed traffic coordination concerns related to simultaneous state road projects. Golden noted that bridge work and paving on State Road/Warren Avenue created significant traffic backups and suggested requesting MassDOT coordinate the projects to avoid simultaneous closures. Brindisi reported that DPW Director Bill Coyle had already informed MassDOT about a problematic hump at the new Manomet Point, Warren Avenue, and Cliff Street intersection, and MassDOT is actively re-engineering that section.
Library Director Manny Leite launched a community survey to reimagine underutilized space at the public library, with a community forum scheduled for October 21 from 5-7 p.m. The initiative aims to transform unused areas into community center space offering new services for all ages. Additionally, the Plymouth Downtown Waterfront District will hold the first Plymouth Harvest Festival on October 25-26 at Town Hall Green and throughout downtown, featuring family activities, live music, and animals to celebrate harvest season and support local businesses.
Why It Matters
The proposed e-bike regulations would fundamentally change how these increasingly popular devices can be operated in Plymouth, potentially affecting hundreds of residents who use them for transportation, recreation, or accessibility. If approved, Plymouth would join a small group of Massachusetts communities attempting to balance the benefits of micro-mobility devices against mounting safety concerns. For residents who have witnessed dangerous e-bike operation or feared for pedestrian safety, the regulations offer potential relief. For e-bike owners, the measures would require registration fees, age verification, helmet purchases, and operational restrictions. The outcome could serve as a model for other communities grappling with the same rapid growth in e-bike use and associated injuries. The board’s approach of pursuing both special legislation and local bylaws simultaneously represents an attempt to implement protections as quickly as possible while recent injury statistics show the issue continues escalating.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve new annual all-alcohol general on-premises license for Triton Beverage Group, LLC (Mayflower Brewing Company), 12 Resnick Road. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (5-0). (Timestamp: 1:01:51)
Motion: Approve licenses as presented for Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra (one-day all-alcohol) and Promise Keeper Coffee Company (common victualler / new owner). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (5-0). (Timestamp: 1:02:47)
Motion: Approve administrative notes as presented. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (5-0). (Timestamp: 1:05:18)
Motion: Adjourn meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (5-0). (Timestamp: 2:45:49)
Public Comment
Joe Paulcinello addressed the board regarding delays in the 0 Spooner Street property bid process. Paulcinello stated he was awarded the bid on April 16 but has experienced “exorbitant delay” and believes the town may have changed direction on the property. He requested “open, honest communication” to determine next steps, particularly with winter approaching. The board received his written statement but did not respond during the public comment period.
What’s Next
The select board directed town staff to refine the electric bicycle regulations and return for discussion in early November, with potential for a final review before the December 17 town meeting warrant deadline. Staff will research the success of similar regulations in other Massachusetts communities and consult with the Attorney General’s office about which provisions might survive bylaw review. The board will also schedule future agenda items addressing open space donation procedures, business permitting streamlining, and creation of a comprehensive permitting guide. A land acknowledgement discussion and Climate Action and Adaptability Plan budget review are also pending scheduling. The Library Director’s community forum on reimagining library space is scheduled for October 21, 5-7 p.m. The Plymouth Harvest Festival will take place October 25-26 in downtown Plymouth.