Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes), Pocketbikes, and Motor-Assisted Scooters
As the popularity of electric bicycles (e-bikes), pocket bikes, and motor-assisted scooters grows, the Ranger Police Department is providing this guide to help everyone enjoy them safely and legally. The operation of these devices in the city of Ranger is regulated by the Texas Transportation Code.
What is an electric bicycle?
The Texas Transportation Code (Chapter 664) provides the standards for electric bicycles and defines them as:
A bicycle equipped with:
Class 1 E-bike
Class 2 E-bike
*Important note: This is the only class of E-Bike/Electric Bicycle that can be under power while the operator is not pedaling; however, it has to have pedals.
Class 3 E-bike
*Important note: Per Texas Transportation Code Sec. 551.107, a person may not operate a Class 3 Electric Bicycle unless that person is at least 15 years of age.
As the popularity of electric bicycles (e-bikes), pocket bikes, and motor-assisted scooters grows, the Ranger Police Department is providing this guide to help everyone enjoy them safely and legally. The operation of these devices in the city of Ranger is regulated by the Texas Transportation Code.
What is an electric bicycle?
The Texas Transportation Code (Chapter 664) provides the standards for electric bicycles and defines them as:
A bicycle equipped with:
- Fully operable pedals; and
- An electric motor of fewer than 750 watts; and
- A top assisted speed of 28 miles per hour or less.
Class 1 E-bike
- Equipped with a motor that assists the rider only when the rider is pedaling; and
- Has a top assisted speed of 20 mph or less
Class 2 E-bike
- Equipped with a motor that may be used to propel the bicycle without the pedaling of the rider; and
- Has a top assisted speed of 20 mph
*Important note: This is the only class of E-Bike/Electric Bicycle that can be under power while the operator is not pedaling; however, it has to have pedals.
Class 3 E-bike
- Equipped with a motor that assists the rider only when the rider is pedaling; and
- Has a top assisted speed of more than 20 mph but less than 28 mph
*Important note: Per Texas Transportation Code Sec. 551.107, a person may not operate a Class 3 Electric Bicycle unless that person is at least 15 years of age.
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What is a pocketbike or mini-motorbike?
A pocketbike or mini-motorbike is defined as a self propelled vehicle is equipped with an electric motor or internal combustion engine with a piston displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters. A pocketbike or mini-motorbike is designed to propel itself with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground. They are NOT designed for use on a highway and ineligible for a certificate of title under Texas Transportation Code 501.
What you need to know
What is a motor-assisted scooter?
A motor-assisted scooter is a self-propelled device with a gas or electric motor NOT exceeding 40 cubic centimeters with at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation. A motor-assisted scooter must have a braking system, a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit during operation, and allow the scooter to be propelled by human power alone.
What you need to know
FAQs
How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike?
There is no age restriction on a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike; however, Texas electric bike laws require e-bike riders to be at least 15 years of age to ride a Class 3 e-bike.
Can I ride an electric bicycle (e-bike) in the roadway?
E-bike riders must adhere to applicable Transportation Code Laws. This includes riding on the right side of the road, obeying traffic signals and signs, and using hand signals to indicate turns.
Can my child ride a pocket bike or mini-motorbike to school?
No, they are for private property only. They cannot be ridden on public roadways or sidewalks.
Can my child ride a motor assisted scooter to school?
A child under 18 without a license may not ride a motor assisted scooter on a public right of way or public property except on paths and trails set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.
Can I ride my electric bicycle on a sidewalk?
Texas law does not prohibit electric bicycles on sidewalks pursuant to Texas Transportation Code 541.001 (must be lawfully operating).
A pocketbike or mini-motorbike is defined as a self propelled vehicle is equipped with an electric motor or internal combustion engine with a piston displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters. A pocketbike or mini-motorbike is designed to propel itself with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground. They are NOT designed for use on a highway and ineligible for a certificate of title under Texas Transportation Code 501.
What you need to know
- Pocketbikes and mini-motorbikes are banned on any public right of way or public property, meaning they may not be ridden on sidewalks, in alleys or streets, or in parks. They may only be operated on private property.
- Parents can be held responsible for allowing or permitting a child or licensed minor to operate or ride a mini-motorbike or pocketbike.
- A violation is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
What is a motor-assisted scooter?
A motor-assisted scooter is a self-propelled device with a gas or electric motor NOT exceeding 40 cubic centimeters with at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation. A motor-assisted scooter must have a braking system, a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit during operation, and allow the scooter to be propelled by human power alone.
What you need to know
- For adults and licensed minors, motor-assisted scooters are banned in parks, on sidewalks, and on any road with a speed limit of 35 mph or over. The devices may be ridden on paths and trails set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles. Additionally, licensed minors MUST wear a helmet.
- Children under the age of 18 (and not licensed) may not operate a motor-assisted scooter on any public way or public property. A child may only ride on paths and trails set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles and MUST wear a helmet.
- Parents can be held responsible for allowing or permitting a child or licensed minor to operate or ride a motor-assisted scooter.
- A violation is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
FAQs
How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike?
There is no age restriction on a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike; however, Texas electric bike laws require e-bike riders to be at least 15 years of age to ride a Class 3 e-bike.
Can I ride an electric bicycle (e-bike) in the roadway?
E-bike riders must adhere to applicable Transportation Code Laws. This includes riding on the right side of the road, obeying traffic signals and signs, and using hand signals to indicate turns.
Can my child ride a pocket bike or mini-motorbike to school?
No, they are for private property only. They cannot be ridden on public roadways or sidewalks.
Can my child ride a motor assisted scooter to school?
A child under 18 without a license may not ride a motor assisted scooter on a public right of way or public property except on paths and trails set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.
Can I ride my electric bicycle on a sidewalk?
Texas law does not prohibit electric bicycles on sidewalks pursuant to Texas Transportation Code 541.001 (must be lawfully operating).