Fulshear officials have enacted new regulations to address the city’s growing number of scooter and sidewalk-related accidents.

Zooming in

The ordinance, unanimously passed by City Council at an Oct. 7 meeting, aims to improve sidewalk safety for community members—especially children—the city’s police department said in an Oct. 15 Facebook post announcing the change.

The new rule prohibits residents from using several motorized or nonmotorized devices on roadways—unless sidewalks are not present—including:

• Roller skates or any motorized or nonmotorized
• Hoverboard
• Scooters
• Coasters
• Skateboards
• Toy vehicles

The law also applies to motor assisted scooters, electric personal assistive mobility devices, bicycles and electric bicycles, department officials said.

When crossing streets, riders are required to come to a complete stop before crossing, according to the post.

Why it matters

The change—modeled after a similar ordinance in Pearland—comes after 10 bike-pedestrian accidents occurred since school started, already doubling last year’s total of five, Chief of Police Kenny Seymour said.

What’s next?

If accidents continue to happen, the city may have to ban such vehicles, Seymour said.

Any violations of the ordinance may result in a fine of up to $500.