West University Place City Council asked city staff and the city attorney to present them with stronger recommendations that would regulate the use of electric bikes and golf carts within city limits after deciding to table a vote on a new ordinance.
The details
Chief of Police Gary Ratliff presented a proposed ordinance Feb. 23 that would ban the use of electric bikes, or e-bikes, on city sidewalks. It would also ban the use of golf carts on city sidewalks and streets. Council had previously discussed making such updates in December after receiving complaints from residents about e-bikes and e-scooters.
During the December meeting, Ratliff pointed out that there cannot be an outright ban on e-bikes, but their use can be regulated. As of Feb. 24, e-bikes can still be used on sidewalks.
However, council member Clay Brett said he was concerned that the proposed ordinance did not go far enough to address concerns from residents.
“When you have an e-bike sharing a sidewalk [with pedestrians], that is dangerous,” Brett said. “But the primary concern was e-bikes in the roadway and e-scooters in the roadway.”
Members also brought up that residents have complained about e-scooters as well, and they should also be regulated.
Council member Kalie Rainsberger said the city of Houston has a curfew for e-bikes and would like West U to adopt one as well.
Breaking it down
How the state defines golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles could also affect the law’s effectiveness, Brett said. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles defines golf carts as motor vehicles designed by the manufacturer primarily for use on a golf course.
“What we tend to find more in our community are not your traditional golf course vehicle, they’re your side-by-sides,” Brett said.
According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, those vehicles are defined as neighborhood electric vehicles, or NEVs.
Texas DMV says that to classify a vehicle as an NEV, it must have:
A maximum speed of 35 mphFour tiresSeat beltsHead and tail lightsA windshieldA parking brakeTurn signalsRear-view mirrorsBrake lightsReflectorsA 17-digit vehicle identification number“I can’t remember the last time I saw a proper golf cart on the road,” Brett said. “We do have those other vehicles all the time.”
What happens next
The ordinance would have to specify the type of vehicle that is banned, Ratliff said. But Mayor Susan Sample said she wants to make sure there are no state limitations that would prohibit the city of West U from banning NEVs, golf carts or any similar recreational vehicles.
Ratliff said the department will work with the city attorney to come up with updated recommendations for council to consider in March.
