Southlake leaders have increased regulations on electric bikes and scooters in response to citizen concerns, adding rules related to speed limits and areas of operation, with additional regulations for younger riders.
Southlake City Council approved the changes to the bicycle ordinance at its Oct. 6 meeting, adding 15 violations related to electric vehicles and increasing parental responsibility for riders under 18.
Violations of the ordinance typically result in a Class C misdemeanor, which is equivalent to a ticket and a fine up to $500, Police Chief Ashleigh Casey said. Three or more violations could result in the vehicle being impounded.
There were around 100 e-bike violations in Southlake in the last year, Casey said.
What’s being done
A lot of complaints and safety concerns have been about scooters and bikes operated at night, Casey said. Regulations now require a lamp at the front of all devices and a red lamp or reflector on the back.
Riders under 18 are not allowed to operate mobile devices or listen to any type of headphone while operating a bike, e-bike or motorized scooter. Vehicles operated by children also must have a permanent seat.
Speed limits on sidewalks and trails have been set at 15 mph.
Vehicles on public roads must adhere to posted speed limits and motorized scooters cannot be operated on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or more when no sidewalk is present, according to the ordinance.
E-bikes are split into three classifications.
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes cannot be operated above 20 mph. Class 1 bikes include pedal assist while class 2 bikes have a throttle.
Class 3 bikes include pedal assist and a throttle and can reach up to 28 mph, according to the city of Southlake's website. Bikes under this classification cannot be operated by anyone under 15 years old, according to state law.
Bicycles, electric bicycles and motorized scooters are not allowed on sidewalks within the Town Square District. Electric and motorized vehicles are not allowed on undeveloped public property unless crossing to paved surfaces, according to the ordinance.
All wheels of vehicles must be on the ground and electric and motorized vehicle engines must disengage when the vehicle is not being pedaled or when the brakes are applied.
It is also now a violation to ride a pocket bike or mini motorbike on highways, roads, streets, sidewalks and city-wide trails in Southlake. Pocket and mini motorbikes are scaled down but often still run on gasoline.
The approved ordinance can be found here and the city offers an information page for electric and motorized vehicles.
Sorting out details
Several existing regulations have been expanded to include electric bicycles and motor-assisted scooters.
The city’s helmet requirements have been applied to the new vehicle types and will make it an offense for the child and parent if a child rides without a helmet.
Carrying more passengers or riders than the vehicle was designed for without appropriate equipment like sidecars for children is also an offense.
Dealers that sell or lease electric and motorized bicycles and scooters must provide a written copy of the city’s bicycle ordinance and ensure helmet requirements are met, according to city documents.
What parents should know
It is also a violation for parents to allow their children to break city policy or state laws and it will be presumed parents knew and allowed their children to operate vehicles in prohibited areas or manners.
