05/07/2026
TEXAS ELECTRIC VEHICLE GUIDE
Electric Bikes, Scooters, and Motorized Bikes are becoming more and more popular, but there are restrictions that parents need to be aware of.
While many of these are legal to ride, some motorized bikes are NOT allowed on public roads under Texas law.
The attachment is a quick reference chart explaining when and where certain electric vehicles can be ridden.
Here are a few things to know:
🚲 E-bikes must have fully operable pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less.
🪪 E-bikes do not require a driver license or registration.
➡️ Operators of a Class 3 E-bike must be at least 15 years old under state law.
❗️An E-Bike must have a permanent manufacturer’s label attached that includes the E-class, the assisted top speed and the motor wattage.
🛴 Stand-up electric scooters do not require a license or registration and may be used on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
⚠️ Vehicles that look like dirt bikes but do not have pedals are NOT considered E-bikes. These types of vehicles are intended for off-road or private property use only and are NOT allowed on public roadways.
🧠 Parents are encouraged to know what type of vehicle they’re purchasing and what type their child will be riding to make sure it is legal to be operated on public roadways.
🛑 All riders must follow the same traffic laws as other drivers. In Texas, riders should respect signals and signs and be mindful of their right-of-way status.
☀️We expect to see an increase in the use of these vehicles during the upcoming summer months. So, please ride responsibility.
SPD will be closely monitoring the utilization of these vehicles on city streets, with violations potentially resulting in citations, the towing of the vehicle, or both.
