In Texas, electric scooters provide a fun, convenient way of commuting short distances in busy neighborhoods like The Woodlands. However, it’s important to brush up on the state’s laws regarding e-scooters so you can respect others and reduce your risk of serious personal injury. Here’s everything you need to know.
Are There Any Laws Specific To Electric Scooters In Texas?
Texas has not created any unique laws for e-scooters. Instead, electric scooters are governed by the same law as motor-assisted scooters (mopeds), Texas Transportation Code 551.351, which defines them as any self-propelled devices that include the following:
- At least two wheels
- A gas or electric motor that does not exceed 40 cubic centimeters
- A braking system
- A deck to stand or sit on
If your electric scooter meets these conditions, it is governed by code 551.351, which means you are allowed to operate it on any path that’s set aside for bicycles. Your e-scooter is also exempt from registration, insurance, license, and safety inspection requirements.
However, some cities have created local ordinances to regulate scooters. Therefore, it’s important to check the rules specific to your region so that you can avoid fines and stay safe.
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Where Can Electric Scooters Be Used In Texas?
Learning where you can and can’t use electric scooters in Texas will help you avoid fines and decrease the risk of an accident. For instance, bike lanes are generally accepted to be the best places to ride e-scooters. You may also be able to ride your scooter along shared-use paths.
The rules for riding on sidewalks, in contrast, vary by location. Though some allow it, many cities prohibit doing so, as it can introduce and increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.
SImilarly, you can also operate your scooter on some streets, as long as their speed limits are 35 miles per hour or lower. If any posted speed limit is greater than 35 MPH, you are not allowed to operate your e-scooter on that particular road, no matter how fast or slow your scooter is capable of traveling.
Additionally, when driving your scooter on a street, you must follow all traffic laws, such as stopping at red lights and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Are Electric Scooters Risky?
Electric scooters can certainly be risky. Depending on the model you own, they can travel faster than 30 MPH and offer no protection in the event of a crash.
While you can take steps to protect yourself (like wearing a helmet), wearable safety gear is meant to limit your risk of injuries in the event of a fall or other minor incident. A full-speed e-scooter accident may prove catastrophic regardless of your gear.
Between 2017 and 2022, the number of annual e-scooter injuries rose from 8,566 to more than 56,000. Electric scooters are becoming extremely popular, so it’s only natural that the number of yearly accidents is increasing alongside their ubiquity. Still, such a huge increase in accidents is something you should be aware of before hopping on your e-scooter.
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Stay Safe And Informed
Electric scooters offer a convenient way to navigate Texas or complete short commutes, but they aren’t risk-free. A distracted driver or poorly maintained sidewalk can turn a regular trip down the street into a life-changing event.
Make sure you adhere to speed limits, respect local ordinances, and always be attentive so you can minimize your risk of an accident. With a little diligence, you can have fun and stay safe.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, brain injuries, wrongful death, and more.
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