In 2025, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts convened the Special Commission on Micromobility to examine the rapid emergence of lightweight mobility modes, including e-bikes, e-scooters, and other electric devices, and to develop a comprehensive framework for their classification, regulation, and integration. The commission brought together policymakers, researchers, and industry experts over the course of a year to address a central challenge: how to support innovation in micromobility while ensuring safety, regulatory clarity, and equitable access across the state.
Naroa Coretti Sánchez, a Research Scientist at the MIT Media Lab’s City Science group, served as a member of the commission. The initiative responded to the growing mismatch between existing legal definitions and the expanding diversity of micromobility devices, many of which do not fit cleanly within traditional regulatory categories. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and technical analysis, the commission explored approaches to better align device characteristics, risk profiles, and policy frameworks.
The effort resulted in a report to the Massachusetts legislature outlining 16 actionable recommendations, including proposals to clarify and modernize terminology, improve safety guidance, and support accessible and affordable transportation options. The recommendations reflect a balanced approach that recognizes both the risks and the transformative potential of micromobility systems, while avoiding overly restrictive measures that could limit their adoption.
This work contributes to broader efforts to integrate lightweight, human-scaled mobility into urban transportation systems, aligning technological innovation with policy and governance frameworks. By addressing classification, safety, and access, the commission establishes a foundation for more coherent and future-oriented micromobility policy in the Commonwealth.