Where can e-scooters legally be operated?

Finally, you may have seen debates over whether e-scooters should be allowed on pathways, sidewalks or roadways. While some pathways are marked as “no motorized vehicles permitted”, most parents don’t want their children to ride e-scooters on the roadways. So, where are children legally allowed to use an e-scooter?
Where can an e-scooter legally be operated per Texas law?
- A motor-assisted scooter may be operated only on a street or highway for which the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.
- A motor-assisted scooter may, however, cross a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
- A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of a motor-assisted scooter on a street, highway, or sidewalk, if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
- A person may operate a motor-assisted scooter on a path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles or on a sidewalk, unless local ordinances provide otherwise.
The Woodlands Township prohibits motorized vehicles of any type on the pathways. The Township takes the position that it owns the pathways, so it can make the rules governing the use of pathways.
In January of 2024, The Woodlands Township considered whether to change its policy on e-bikes and declined to do so:
“….a number of issues surround the possibility of allowing e-bikes on pathways and trails in The Woodlands, such as monitoring speed, filing incident reports and verifying the class of motorized vehicles on the trails. Another issue with allowing e-bikes on trails within The Woodlands is due to the density of trees along pathways with wide variation in terrain and trail width, he said.”
Regardless of your position on whether e-scooters should be allowed on pathways, it is important that those operating e-scooters wear helmets and be taught to follow safety rules to ensure their safety and the safety of pedestrians.


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