Electronic bikes are a common sight in San Antonio front yards. Many parents give them as a gift to children to encourage outdoor play. However, Texas authorities say many of the ones they see on the roads are illegal, and guardians could be held accountable.
You may have had one growing up. The vehicles, which assist the rider as they pedal, are sold online and at neighborhood stores such as Walmart.
While only equipped with two wheels, they are required to follow most of the same traffic laws as a car, the San Antonio Police Department tells MySA. This means the operator should be aware of current traffic signs and road rules before beginning a trip.
There are several other guidelines folks should be aware of before purchasing the transportation devices, which can cost well over $200.
Is it legal to ride an electric bike on the road in Texas?
It depends. State law requires electric bikes to have fully operable pedals, a power output of or fewer than 750 watts, contain a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph or less, and meet one of three classifications in the Texas Transportation Code. A top-assisted speed is defined as the “speed at which the bicycle’s motor ceases propelling the bicycle or assisting the rider,” per Section 664.001.
When these qualifications are met, they are treated the same as traditional bicycles, San Antonio area authorities say.
Others, like dirt bikes, often fall into the category of off-highway vehicles (OHVs), which are not allowed on land owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision, except in limited circumstances, per Section.551A.031.
This month, both the Leander and Boerne police departments shared social media posts saying they are cracking down on ticketing for illegal vehicles.
Is a 750W eBike legal in Texas?
As long as it also meets the following guidance:
Contains fully operable pedals
Has a power output of 750 watts or fewer
Ehxhibits a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph or less
Meet one of the three classifications in the Texas Transportation Code Section 664.001
Rider follows the operation rules and meets the age requirement set by the Transportation Code, including in 551.107
Can a child ride an electric bike in Texas?
An individual must be at least 15 years old to operate a Class 3 electric bicycle, Section 551.107 states. This is one equipped with a motor that assists the rider only when they pedal. It also has a top assisted speed of more than 20 but less than 28 mph.
What e-bikes are illegal in Texas?
E-bikes that continue to function when the operator stops pedaling or when the brakes are applied are illegal, per Section 551.107. Additionally, if they do not meet the qualifications for Class 1, 2, or 3 of the Transportation Code, they are not considered an e-bike by law enforcement.
“Many of the electric dirt bikes we are seeing do not meet this definition,” the Boerne Police Department wrote on Facebook. “These vehicles often exceed speed and power limits and lack required safety equipment, making them subject to motor vehicle laws. This means they may require registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license to operate legally on public roadways.”
What happens if you get caught on an electric bike?
Police may issue citations if they spot someone operating an e-bike in a way deemed unsafe or reckless. Leander officials add that parents can be held criminally responsible if certain electric bikes or motorcycles are discovered in use on a public road or sidewalk.
“How can we get parents, who have the most control and power in these situations, to put a stop to this?” the Austin-area police agency wrote in a post. “E-bikes are not electric dirt bikes or motorcycles.”
Boerne police say they will begin actively enforcing applicable sections of the Texas Transportation Code regarding these vehicles. SAPD tells MySA it is actively enforcing all traffic laws.
This article originally published at Is it legal to ride dirt bikes in Texas?.