With electric scooters surging in popularity in Texas, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations that apply to them. How fast can they be ridden? Are there any places where e-scooters are prohibited? Do I need to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter? All of these questions are important and best addressed by an experienced scooter accident lawyer in Round Rock, TX.
The answers can affect your health and, if you get into an accident, any legal claims you might be able to pursue for compensation.
Here’s what you need to know.
Are E-Scooters Legal in Texas?
Electric scooters, also known as motor-assisted scooters, are legal in Texas.
Texas Transportation Code Section 551.351 defines an e-scooter as a “self-propelled device” that has:
- At least two wheels that stay in contact with the ground while in use
- A braking system that can stop the device under ordinary circumstances
- An electric or gas motor that’s not larger than 40 cubic cm; and
- A deck that can allow a human operator to sit or stand.
Additionally, an electric scooter must give the operator the ability to propel the device manually or use the motor. Pocket bikes and mini motorbikes are explicitly excluded from the definition of an electric scooter.
Do I Need a Special License to Operate an E-Scooter?
No, since electric scooters are not classified as motor vehicles, there’s no need to get a special license to operate one in the state of Texas.
Further, e-scooters don’t have to be registered or licensed with the state, as is required for mopeds and other vehicles that more closely resemble motorcycles.
Since there’s no licensing requirement, Texas also doesn’t impose any specific age requirements or limitations on electric scooter operations.
However, some cities and towns have their own local ordinances in place that do require riders to be of a certain age. It’s important to check with your local government to determine if any special e-scooter rules might apply to you or your children. Further, e-scooter rental companies might require operators to be at least 18 years old.
If you have questions about how local regulations might affect your case, a Round Rock scooter accident attorney can provide guidance.
What Are the Basic Rules For Operating an E-Scooter in Texas?
While e-scooters are legal in Texas, they’re subject to certain rules and regulations.
Some key e-scooter laws include:
- Electric scooters can be operated on roads with speed limits of 35 MPH or less
- Scooters can often be operated on sidewalks, but riders must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians
- Bike lanes should be used whenever available
- Scooters should not exceed 20 MPH when operated in public
Some local ordinances might prohibit e-scooters from being operated on sidewalks, particularly in business districts or areas with a lot of pedestrian activity. Again, it’s important to check your local city laws to determine if special circumstances apply to you.
Do I Have to Wear a Helmet When Operating an Electric Scooter?
Texas does not have mandatory helmet laws for e-scooters. However, research clearly demonstrates the benefits of wearing a helmet while operating a motor-assisted scooter. When riders are involved in e-scooter accidents, those wearing helmets suffer fewer traumatic brain injuries and die than those who don’t.
Many cities in Texas have taken this information to heart and imposed strict helmet requirements, especially for teenagers and young adults. While helmets aren’t required, it’s important to acknowledge that you should mitigate any injuries you could potentially suffer in the event of an accident.
If you suffer serious head injuries in an e-scooter accident and someone else is at fault, they might argue that your injuries might not have been as extensive if you’d worn a helmet. This could potentially affect your ability to recover compensation for your e-scooter accident injuries or reduce the compensation you’re awarded if you’re attributed shared responsibility for your injuries.
A scooter accident lawyer can help you navigate these comparative negligence arguments and protect your right to fair compensation.
Where Can I Ride an E-Scooter in Texas?
You can lawfully operate an electric scooter on private property or on public roads, as long as they’re not expressly prohibited by the owner or local laws.
For instance, property owners or HOAs might have specific objections about e-scooter use. Operating an electric scooter on private property without the owner’s consent or against HOA policies can carry civil and, in some cases, criminal consequences.
Can Electric Scooters Be Operated After Dark?
Texas does not limit e-scooter operations to daytime hours. However, it’s important to recognize that electric scooters can be difficult to see, especially at night. They’re relatively small and, while many have LED lights built in, they aren’t designed for safety or visibility.
Riding an electric scooter at night can be dangerous, so it is important to take extra precautions if you need to stay out after dark. If possible, wear reflective clothing, remain in well-lit areas, and ensure that you avoid distractions or operating the scooter while impaired.
If you’re injured in a nighttime e-scooter accident, a scooter accident attorney can investigate whether poor visibility or inadequate lighting contributed to the crash.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in an E-Scooter Accident in Texas?
As they become more popular, accidents involving e-scooters happen more often. If you’re involved in an e-scooter accident in Texas, it’s important to know that your decisions and choices will influence your legal rights and options down the road.
As a general rule, it’s important to:
- Report the scooter accident to 911 so that there’s a formal record of the incident
- Document the scene of the accident, damage to the scooter and other vehicles involved (if any), and your injuries
- Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash
- Refuse to take the blame for the e-scooter accident, even if you think you’re at fault
- Seek timely medical care at the closest emergency room so that your injuries are properly treated and documented
- Call an experienced e-scooter accident lawyer in Round Rock as soon as you can
Scooter accident victims and families in Texas turn to Dow Law Firm for help. Our personal injury lawyers offer compassionate, honest, and aggressive legal representation in the wake of devastating accidents.
Our knowledge of electric scooter laws in Texas, hands-on experience litigating these often complicated cases, and multi-million-dollar track record of success set us apart.
We offer a free consultation, so contact our Round Rock scooter accident attorneys at (512) 240-9951 to discuss your e-scooter accident case today.