Boston, September 30, 2025
News Summary
City Councilor Ed Flynn has introduced a proposal to ban e-bikes and mopeds from third-party food delivery services in Boston following a fatal collision. The ordinance aims to address safety concerns raised by pedestrians about reckless riding behavior. While some councilors support the measure for enhancing public safety, others oppose it due to economic implications for delivery workers relying on these vehicles. The proposal is set for review by the Government Operations Committee before it can be voted on by the City Council.
Boston. City Councilor Ed Flynn has proposed an ordinance to ban e-bikes and mopeds from third-party food delivery in Boston. The proposal follows a fatal collision involving a delivery driver on a scooter near Copley Square in August.
Key developments
The proposal is aimed at addressing rising concerns about pedestrian safety and reckless riding by delivery vehicles. Flynn highlighted public safety concerns, stating pedestrians are afraid to cross streets due to reckless driving by these vehicles. Flynn stated delivery vehicles have been reported exceeding 20 mph, driving on sidewalks, and going the wrong way on city streets.
Fellow councilors Henry Santana and Enrique Pepen oppose the measure, citing concerns about the economic impact on delivery workers. Opposition councilors argue that banning e-bikes and mopeds could jeopardize the livelihood of many delivery drivers who depend on these vehicles.
Councilor Flynn’s proposal is an amendment to an ordinance passed in April that requires delivery drivers to obtain liability insurance; this ordinance will not take effect until next year. The proposal is pending review by the Government Operations Committee and a potential council vote.
Supporting details
Some residents expressed concerns about reckless driving by delivery vehicles, with incidents reported in Boston’s 311 reports. Boston’s recent permit requirements for delivery drivers aim to address safety measures, but enforcement remains a key concern.
Flynn noted that the rise in food delivery services has increased traffic dangers in Boston, exacerbated by incentives that prioritize speed over safety. Councilor Flynn emphasized the need for urgent action to protect pedestrians and improve public safety in the city.
What proponents say
Supporters of the proposed ban say removing motorized bicycles and mopeds from third-party food delivery could reduce collisions, lower sidewalk and crosswalk risks, and make busy commercial corridors safer for pedestrians. The amendment to the April ordinance is presented as a more direct step to address immediate safety concerns while insurance and permit systems are phased in.
What opponents say
Opponents argue the ban would harm delivery workers who rely on e-bikes and mopeds for income and mobility. They emphasize that many delivery workers are low-wage earners who would face higher costs or lost work if those vehicles are restricted. Opponents also stress the importance of enforcement of existing rules and permit systems rather than an outright ban.
Next steps and process
The ordinance amendment is scheduled for review by the Government Operations Committee before the full City Council considers a vote. If the committee advances the proposal, councilors will debate the measure and possible changes at a public session. Enforcement details, exemptions, and timelines would need to be resolved before any ban could take effect.
Enforcement and related measures
City officials have introduced permit and insurance requirements for delivery drivers as part of a broader effort to improve safety. Councilor Flynn’s amendment seeks to add a direct restriction on the vehicles used for third-party delivery while those systems are being established. How the city would enforce a ban, and how it would coordinate enforcement with permit and insurance rules, has not been finalized.
Background
Food delivery services have grown rapidly in recent years, increasing the number of delivery trips on city streets and sidewalks. Reports and complaints to municipal systems like 311 have captured resident concerns about unsafe riding behaviors and near-misses. The fatal collision near Copley Square in August has sharpened focus on delivery-related safety and prompted Councilor Flynn to propose the ordinance amendment now under review.
FAQ
What is being proposed?
City Councilor Ed Flynn has proposed an ordinance to ban e-bikes and mopeds from third-party food delivery in Boston.
Why was the proposal made?
The proposal follows a fatal collision involving a delivery driver on a scooter near Copley Square in August.
What safety concerns did Flynn raise?
Flynn highlighted public safety concerns, stating pedestrians are afraid to cross streets due to reckless driving by these vehicles.
What specific unsafe behaviors were reported?
Flynn stated delivery vehicles have been reported exceeding 20 mph, driving on sidewalks, and going the wrong way on city streets.
Who opposes the measure?
Fellow councilors Henry Santana and Enrique Pepen oppose the measure, citing concerns about the economic impact on delivery workers.
How does this relate to existing rules?
Councilor Flynn’s proposal is an amendment to an ordinance passed in April that requires delivery drivers to obtain liability insurance; this ordinance will not take effect until next year.
Have residents reported problems?
Some residents expressed concerns about reckless driving by delivery vehicles, with incidents reported in Boston’s 311 reports.
What do opponents say about workers?
Opposition councilors argue that banning e-bikes and mopeds could jeopardize the livelihood of many delivery drivers who depend on these vehicles.
What broader trend did Flynn note?
Flynn noted that the rise in food delivery services has increased traffic dangers in Boston, exacerbated by incentives that prioritize speed over safety.
What is the current status of the proposal?
The proposal is pending review by the Government Operations Committee and a potential council vote.
Are there other city actions on delivery driver safety?
Boston’s recent permit requirements for delivery drivers aim to address safety measures, but enforcement remains a key concern.
What does the councilor say is needed?
Councilor Flynn emphasized the need for urgent action to protect pedestrians and improve public safety in the city.
Quick reference table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposal | Ban on e-bikes and mopeds for third-party food delivery (proposed by Councilor Ed Flynn) |
| Reason cited | Pedestrian safety concerns following a fatal collision and reports of reckless driving |
| Opposition | Councilors Henry Santana and Enrique Pepen cite economic impact on delivery workers |
| Related ordinance | Amendment to April ordinance requiring liability insurance for delivery drivers; insurance rule begins next year |
| Next procedural step | Review by the Government Operations Committee, then potential City Council vote |
| Enforcement issue | City has permit requirements and 311 reports but enforcement details remain unresolved |
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Additional Resources
- Axios: Boston’s Delivery Scooter Crackdown
- Wikipedia: Electric bicycle
- Rock 92.9: Chick-fil-A Opens Delivery Only Kitchen
- Google Search: Chick-fil-A delivery kitchen
- Boston 25 News: Boston City Councilor Proposes Ban on E-bikes
- Google Scholar: E-bike regulations in Boston
- NBC Boston: Boston Councilor Proposes Ban on E-bikes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Delivery
- WBZ Newsradio: Rising Food Delivery Prices
- Google News: Boston food delivery safety
- Boston.com: Ban on Two-Wheeled Food Delivery Vehicles
- Google Search: Boston city council
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