# What Are the Current Regulations in Houston for E-Scooters? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Using E-Scooters on Sidewalks in Houston 2. Scooter Rental Locations 3. Insurance Coverage for E-Scooter Accidents 4. DWI Regulations and E-Scooters 5. Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer if You’ve Been Injured  ![What Are the Current Regulations in Houston for E-Scooters?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/What-Are-the-Current-Regulations-in-Houston-for-E-Scooters-1-300x200.jpg) The popularity and usage of e-scooters, commonly referred to as “electric scooters,” are on the rise. These small, battery-powered vehicles are similar to traditional kick scooters, typically having two wheels, a handlebar for steering, and a platform for the rider to stand on.   However, unlike kick scooters, e-scooters are powered by small electric motors, hence the name. These motors allow riders to reach higher speeds and travel longer distances than what would be feasibly achievable with conventional kick scooters.  E-scooters have become a common form of short-distance transportation, particularly in cities like Houston; they can be rented through a variety of dockless scooter-sharing services. Riders can walk up and select the scooter they like and pay to rent it for a set amount of time through a mobile app.   These small vehicles have also become popular as a way to reduce traffic congestion and help with carbon emissions, providing a more convenient way to move around large, urban areas. ## Using E-Scooters on Sidewalks in Houston Despite (or perhaps given) their immense popularity, in March 2021, the [Houston City Council passed a ban](https://communityimpact.com/heights-river-oaks-montrose/business/houston-city-council-oks-new-limits-on-electric-scooters/) on the use of e-scooters in the following locations:  - Sidewalks - Parking areas - Downtown property owned by the city  People are still able to use e-scooters in Houston’s downtown area, but they must keep the vehicles on public roadways. Those who fail to stay on the roads may face a monetary fine.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Scooter Rental Locations A common trend amongst e-scooter companies is to set up rental hubs on the sidewalks in front of public properties, and when riders are done riding and paying for the use of the scooter, scooter companies allow them to leave the vehicle anywhere for another rider to pick up.   The city of [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) has begun to regulate this type of activity. Businesses that rent scooters are not legally permitted to indicate mobile rental spots on public grounds. Instead, they must situate their scooter rental hubs on privately-owned properties, which makes it more likely that e-scooter rental businesses will have storefronts.   Houston’s regulations are intended to keep public walkways free of electric scooters, given that the city received many reports of scooter collisions, injured pets, and other mishaps due to their increased appearance on public walkways. ## Insurance Coverage for E-Scooter Accidents The e-scooter trend gained popularity seemingly overnight, and because of the swift adoption of the e-scooter throughout Houston, the city’s legislative infrastructure has struggled to adapt swiftly.  Most electric scooter companies make it clear that riders use these vehicles at their own risk. Some e-scooter companies explicitly state that they cannot be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages, and in many cases, [car insurance policies](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/do-i-need-a-personal-injury-lawyer-if-im-submitting-a-claim-to-insurance/) do not cover injured riders of e-scooters.  For these reasons, it is critical to understand the regulations relating to electric scooter use in Houston. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## DWI Regulations and E-Scooters Under [Texas state law](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/), any vehicle that uses public roadways is considered to be a “motor vehicle,” which means that e-scooters are subject to the same rules and regulations as automobiles.  With that being said, you should never rent or ride an electric scooter if you have recently consumed alcohol or used drugs. Riders who use e-scooters while [under the influence](https://www.txdot.gov/safety/driving-laws/impaired-driving.html) of any controlled substance may face significant penalties. E-scooter riders have the same implied duty of care as other motorists on all of Texas’ roadways. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer if You’ve Been Injured  Some people believe that e-scooters are not subject to the same traffic laws as other vehicles, but that viewpoint is the result of common misconceptions. It is critical to follow the rules of the road when riding an electric scooter in Houston. Following all traffic lights, signs, and directions will keep you as safe as possible.  If you have been injured in a [scooter accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/electric-scooter-accident-lawyer/) in Houston, it is vital to consult with a Texas personal injury attorney. The at-fault party may owe you significant monetary damages. For more information, [contact](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/contact-us/) the [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) personal injury law firm of [Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/) by calling [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000). **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston**[3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77098](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Houston/@29.7309684,-95.4262545,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640bf255e7aaf73:0x52064b120afa59fe!8m2!3d29.7309684!4d-95.4262545!16s%2Fg%2F1tfrxw9q?entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy**[11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06, Houston, TX 77029](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+East+Fwy/@29.773407,-95.2301421,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640bd52b80b3fe3:0xb5804dd15c47b17b!8m2!3d29.773407!4d-95.2301421!16s%2Fg%2F11r10lsb0x?source=g.page.share&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop**[2600 S Loop W, Suite 293, Houston, TX 77054](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+South+Loop/@29.6785093,-95.4184191,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640c1c0e435eacd:0x81fd3c6eb30bc542!8m2!3d29.6785093!4d-95.4184191!16s%2Fg%2F11ry4wjwqr?cid=9366709246148461890&_ga=2.209939733.1628598219.1648478482-1081226185.1622227003&shorturl=1&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Katy Freeway**[11511 Katy Fwy Suite 515, Houston, TX 77079](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Katy+Freeway/@29.7836667,-95.5861677,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640dbd008653a11:0x9786540c9ab0bfd9!8m2!3d29.7836667!4d-95.5861677!16s%2Fg%2F11y3dw2v44?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers** **– Clear Lake** [1300 Bay Area Blvd Suite B268, Houston, TX 77058](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Clear+Lake/@29.5598212,-95.1152728,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x86409d1b345242c9:0x5895a119f6ed1d9!8m2!3d29.5598212!4d-95.1152728!16s%2Fg%2F11lf7xm8n8?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&coh=219816&entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgxNC4xKgBIAVAD/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers** **– The Woodlands** [1776 Woodstead Ct ste 203, The Woodlands, TX 77380](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+The+Woodlands/@30.1548897,-95.4639792,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x864737efe5a3cb73:0xff70634b80d03844!8m2!3d30.1548897!4d-95.4639792!16s%2Fg%2F11y98y92_f?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExOS4yIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D/) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Motorcycle Accidents Blog Posts: [![Why All Motorcycle Riders Should Wear a Helmet Camera](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/why-all-motorcycle-riders-should-wear-a-helmet-camera/) [Why All Motorcycle Riders Should Wear a Helmet Camera](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/why-all-motorcycle-riders-should-wear-a-helmet-camera/) Helmet cameras have become an increasingly popular choice for motorcyclists. Yet despite their availability and [![The Most Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/The-Most-Common-Motorcycle-Crash-Injuries-300x197.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-common-motorcycle-crash-injuries/) [The Most Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-common-motorcycle-crash-injuries/) It is no secret that motorcycles carry an elevated risk of crashes and injuries. Because motorcycles are not equipped [![Motorcycle Passenger Rights After an Accident in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Motorcycle-Passenger-Rights-After-an-Accident-in-Texas-1-300x240.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-passenger-rights-after-an-accident-in-texas/) [Motorcycle Passenger Rights After an Accident in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-passenger-rights-after-an-accident-in-texas/) A total of 562 motorcyclists died, and 2,422 people were injured in motorcycle accidents in Texas in 2022, according [![Man and Woman Die After Being Thrown Off SH-99 Overpass in Motorcycle Crash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Husband-and-Wife-Funeral-Farewell-000003529702_Medium-300x199.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/man-and-woman-die-after-being-thrown-off-sh-99-overpass-in-motorcycle-crash/) [Man and Woman Die After Being Thrown Off SH 99 Overpass in Motorcycle Crash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/man-and-woman-die-after-being-thrown-off-sh-99-overpass-in-motorcycle-crash/) According to Harris County sheriff’s deputies, a man and a woman died in a motorcycle crash in northwest Harris --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-the-current-regulations-in-houston-for-e-scooters/