Boston, Massachusetts Considers Ban on Mopeds & E-Bikes for Food Delivery Over Safety Concerns
Last Updated on September 19, 2025 by Kristina
Boston, Massachusetts City Councilor Ed Flynn is calling for a ban on mopeds and electric bikes (e-bikes) used for third-party food delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash. He says the vehicles are making city streets dangerous and putting pedestrians at risk.
Why the Ban Is Being Proposed
Flynn argues the city is facing a pedestrian safety crisis. His office says there are daily reports of delivery riders:
- Going over 20 mph
- Riding against traffic
- Cutting through sidewalks
- Ignoring red lights and stop signs
Last month, a person died after being hit by an e-bike in Copley Square.
“It can no longer be the Wild West on the streets of Boston,” Flynn said.
Community Concerns
Fenway resident Flower Armigo told NBC10 Boston that walking can feel unsafe:
“It gets really scary. I never know, especially when walking my dog, if someone is going to turn the corner on one. They ride on the sidewalks. It’s very dangerous. I always worry that they’re gonna hit me or someone.”
Others, however, fear the proposed ban could hurt immigrant and low-income workers who rely on delivery jobs to earn a living.
What the City Has Tried Already
Earlier this year, Boston passed an ordinance requiring delivery companies to get permits, share safety data, and explore liability insurance for drivers. But enforcement has remained a big challenge.
Flynn says police don’t have the staff to chase down hundreds of mopeds every day.
Data That Adds to the Picture
- In 2024, Boston officials towed or impounded about 475 mopeds linked to delivery violations.
- Residents made 105 complaints through the city’s 311 system about reckless delivery riders.
- A city crash study showed that adding separated bike lanes reduced pedestrian crashes by 68% and bike crashes by 57% where installed.
- At the same time, Boston has piloted cargo e-bikes for deliveries. Over 18 months, these bikes made 18,375 deliveries while cutting thousands of kilograms of CO₂ emissions.
How We Got Here
Food delivery changed fast during the pandemic. With more people working from home, demand skyrocketed. In 2022, Boston even encouraged large delivery companies to push drivers toward two-wheeled vehicles. Companies then rewarded workers for speed, which Flynn argues fueled reckless riding.
What Happens Next
The proposed ban has been sent to the City Council’s Government Operations Committee for debate. Some councilors say a total ban goes too far. They suggest better training, stricter penalties, or safer infrastructure instead.
If the ban passes, third-party food delivery on mopeds and e-bikes would end in Boston. That could affect thousands of workers and change how fast food gets delivered. If it doesn’t, the city will likely look for tougher enforcement options.
Bigger Picture
This debate shows the tension between safety and livelihoods. Mopeds and e-bikes reduce car traffic and pollution, but they also raise new safety issues. Cities across the U.S. will be watching Boston, Massachusetts closely as it figures out how to balance these competing concerns.
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