In this subchapter, "golf cart" means a motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for use on a golf course. 165, Sec. Electric Bicycles In the State of Texas, electric bicycles are defined as bikes that are powered by an electric motor that have a top speed of 20 MPH on . (4) the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is: (A) less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane; or. All classes of Electric Bike are allowed and there are very few restrictions. All three classes of Electric Bike are allowed in Texas. To legally ride a moped in Texas, you must: Be at least 15 years of age Register your vehicle the same way you would register a motorcycle Have a Class M motorcycle license with a P36 restriction You will also need to purchase insurance for your moped. In Texas, electric bicycles are bicycles that: Can be powered by either an electric motor alone OR with combined human power. A golf cart may cross a highway at an intersection, including an intersection with a highway that has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour. Electric scooters are not allowed to go over 15 MPH on any public road or bike lane, and they must stay on slower streets with speed limits of 25 MPH or lower. E-Bikes also need to have at least one wheel which is more than 14 inches in diameter. 1, eff. Once you get past the semantics, its clear that theres a lot of substance behind the 2022 BMW CE 04s style. (c) A motor carrier may operate, for the purpose of picking up or delivering mail, parcels, or packages, a vehicle bearing license plates issued under Section 551.452 on the property of a subdivision subject to restrictions or a condominium that has in place a declaration, in a manner that complies with any applicable rules adopted by a property owners' association that manages or regulates the subdivision or condominium. 551.303. With class 1,2 and 3 e-bikes, you will have access to all bike paths but only class 1 and 2 will have access to parks and trails. Can You Ride an Electric Bike on the Sidewalk in Texas? Sept. 1, 1995. It is a healthful lifestyle. If you are looking to learn more about the helmet laws in each city, we suggest you make more findings. You cannot ride the electric scooter on the sidewalk. 551.351. (3) "Motor carrier" has the meaning assigned by Section 643.001. Rules for Riding E-Bike on the Road in Texas. What Is The Electric Bike Minimum Age in Texas? (5) "Subdivision" has the meaning assigned by Section 209.002, Property Code. LIMITED OPERATION. Local laws may vary. Except as otherwise provided by this section, a provision of this title applicable to the operation of a bicycle applies to the operation of a motor-assisted scooter. Top Watt Power For Electric Bikes In Texas. Do You Need A Speedometer On Electric Bikes In Texas? But what is the Texas Electric Bike Laws? 19, eff. (2) has a speed limit of not more than 35 miles per hour. Sec. And thirdly, it now has a supermoto electric motorcycle, the 2022 FXE. (a) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of a golf cart on a highway under Section 551.403 if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. Electric bikes are allowed on all roadways as far right as practicable except when making a left turn. In the State of Texas, electric bicycles are defined as bikes that are powered by an electric motor that have a top speed of 20 MPH on level ground. Can You Ride An Ebike In The Rain? Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. (2) in an area in which the operation of a nonelectric bicycle is permitted, unless the area is a path that: (B) has a natural surface tread made by clearing and grading the native soil without adding surfacing materials. May 26, 2017. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. Like a motorcycle or scooter, or personal golf cart or ATV, or whatever other cool little electric toy you have found, an e-bike is considered motorized means of transportation in the state of Texas. 1052 (H.B. Youll also need to affix a new permanent label with the new class, top assisted speed, and watt power. It took a few months of reading, public hearings, and voting but eventually got passed. (B) too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side. We carry street legal bikes and sell ATV trailers, side by sides, and UTV as well. The state has a process involving an OHV decal, inspection, and registration. Nevertheless, even if youre not a Harley-Davidson fan, the LiveWire One is a premium street-legal electric motorcycle worth checking out. And for the rest of the states, you wont need to register nor there is any need for a license or insurance. Plus, its electric powertrain is basically a scaled-down version of what BMWs i-Series models use. Are Electric Dirt Bikes Street Legal? Their long list. 551.107. 551.001. Some manufacturers ignore that and add boost style buttons but that wouldnt be legal. 129), Sec. And that means more people can experience its thrills. 4, eff. Yes, you read it right!!! Six states specifically allow eBikes to have a max power of 1000W; these are Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Virginia. 2188), Sec. (2) "Pocket bike or minimotorbike" means a self-propelled vehicle that is equipped with an electric motor or internal combustion engine having a piston displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters, is designed to propel itself with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground, has a seat or saddle for the use of the operator, is not designed for use on a highway, and is ineligible for a certificate of title under Chapter 501. (2) may charge a fee not to exceed $10 for the cost of the license plate, to be deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund. (a) The department or a local authority may not prohibit the operation of an electric bicycle: (1) on a highway that is used primarily by motor vehicles; or. Sept. 1, 2003. (a) The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles may not register a golf cart for operation on a highway regardless of whether any alteration has been made to the golf cart. Carry anything that could prevent you from riding the bicycle with. 551.457. Plus, thanks to its 21.5-kWh (18.9-kWh usable) battery pack, it has a maximum city range of 261 miles and can recharge from 0-80% in 40 minutes on a DC fast charger. Its basically a naked version of the Ego+ with the EsseEsse9+s upright position and luggage-carrying capabilities. 1135 (H.B. OPERATION ON ROADWAYS. September 1, 2011. National Forests also have their own jurisdiction and often restrict Electric Bikes. (b) A property owners' association may adopt reasonable safety and use rules for the operation, for the purpose of picking up or delivering mail, parcels, or packages, of a vehicle bearing license plates issued under Section 551.452 on the property of a subdivision or condominium managed or regulated by the association. 2968), Sec. Save up to $1000 total on Open Box eBikes. Technically, LiveWire is now a Harley-Davidson sub-brand. 1999 - 2023 DMV.ORG. 551.105. So as long as you are riding a class 1, 2, or 3 ebike, you do not need to have electric bike insurance. 165, Sec. So, on this page, you have comprehensive information you need to abide by the law that guides ebike in Texas. However, local authorities can say Electric Bikes arent allowed in bike lanes if they choose to do so. This means some counties could be very prohibitive and some could be very open. 91 (S.B. For example, if your e-bike has 26-inch wheels, you can reduce it to 18 inches on the device. Currently, no mini motorcycle model is on the list of approved mopeds.Jun 14, 2005. Only two states, Florida Mississippi, currently have no max power limit for electric bikes. In general, you have exactly the same protections as normal bikers do. 19.07, eff. June 14, 2019. All three classes need to have fully operable pedals even if you dont use them to power the motor. In Austin, if you are under the age of 14 and riding a motorcycle, you need to wear a helmet while driving. Do you have to register an electric bike in Texas? In short, no matter your riding style or budget, Zero likely has a street-legal electric motorcycle for you. However, if you make or buy an E-Bike outside of the Class system youll probably need to register it as a moped or motorbike. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. You are free to operate ebikes on bike lanes throughout the city. You can see the history of the bill here. You can build your own from scratch, modify your Electric Bike for more power, a larger battery, or upgraded software. 915 (H.B. Class 2: electric bikes equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and stop when the bike reaches the speed of 20 mph. 551.203. 1, eff. (c) Subsection (b) applies only to a county that: (1) borders or contains a portion of the Red River; or. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. EQUIPMENT. Sec. 2357), Sec. PROHIBITION OF OPERATION ON HIGHWAY BY MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, OR DEPARTMENT. Sept. 1, 2001. House Bill 2188 became effective on August 1st, 2019. Both of these go to 20 mph which is plenty for most. Subscribe to our News and Updates to stay in the loop and on the road! Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. YES! OPERATION OF ELECTRIC BICYCLE. Electric bikes are allowed on bike paths and trails unless posted otherwise. Do you need a license to drive a 50cc scooter in Texas? You dont need to be an expert to ride one. DEFINITION. September 1, 2013. June 14, 2019. DEFINITION. No spam, no selling your details, once a fortnight max :), 2023 ebikeanswers.com - All written content and infographics are copyrighted, Are Electric Bikes Legal In Texas E-Bike Laws in Texas. September 1, 2011. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. (c) Persons operating bicycles on a roadway may ride two abreast. 1, eff. 1135 (H.B. 1956), Sec. Yes, its legally fine to ride an Electric Bike on Texas sidewalks. 719), Sec. And the sa APs and sa+s modular designs make it easy to install accessories like luggage racks, baskets, and even onboard converters for power tools. What Are The E-Bike Classes? Being street-legal doesnt mean you wont have to follow any rules, you must follow the speed limit. Following the speed limit ensures the safety of both pedestrians and other bikers. What are the rules for riding on the road in Texas? All the spare parts and extra things you need. Although Ducati is supplying MotoE for the next few years, it doesnt have a street-legal electric motorcycle yet. June 15, 2021. But Energica also offers the 2022 Eva EsseEsse9+. 2357), Sec. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. Sept. 1, 1995. Also, the EsseEsse9+ weighs 564 pounds, has an upright riding position, and starts at $22,850. Do You Need A License Or Plate For E-Bikes In Texas? Admittedly, $22K is quite a lot for a motorcycle, though its on par with rivals like the Zero SR/F Premium. You can ride an E-Bike up to 28 mph in Texas. Can You Ride An Electric Bike In Bike Lanes In Texas? And while that lineup is split between street and dual sport models, all of Zeros motorcycles are street-legal. Sec. 1233 (H.B. June 14, 2013. 20.007, eff. Again, yes you can ride on bike paths in Texas by default but there are restrictions. 41(3), eff. TX Electric Bicycles. Yes, it's legal to buy and ride Electric Bikes in Texas. Home E-Bike Laws Are Electric Bikes Legal In Texas E-Bike Laws in Texas, As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Check local laws and signage. GENERAL OPERATION. CONFLICTS. REGULATION OF BICYCLES BY DEPARTMENT OR LOCAL AUTHORITY. This article covers the legal aspects of e-bikes in Texas and how they are different from gas-powered bikes. The modest capacity only gives them 52 miles of range in mixed-city riding, but the packs are removable. To ride anything above 49cc (and 49cc scooters not on the certified moped list) youll need a motorcycle license. What Are the Laws around Helmets in Texas? These come with a vin number and certificate of origin.. Fast as lightning, powerful as thunder. Dirt bikes are not street legal here on highways or public roads. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website offers a. registration and a title. DIY E-Bikes are legal in Texas. Its another case of Yes by default its fine to ride E-Bikes on trails. Riding ATVs on roads remains illegal in Texas and is a Class C misdemeanor that comes with a maximum $500 fine. To title and registeryour autocycle, follow the same process and requirements for standard motorcycleshead over to our page on registering a motorcycle in Texas for details. States That Require A Different License For E-bikes, States That Have No Licensing Requirements For Ebikes. But it . (b) A person is not required to register a neighborhood electric vehicle operated in compliance with this section. What is Cadence Sensor on E-bikes: All You Need to Know. 1596), Sec. 551.456. September 1, 2009. Also, with 42 hp on tap, its significantly more powerful than an electric Vespa, which is a proper scooter. 1548), Sec. However, they have 3.75-kWh packs, giving them 87 and 78 miles of range, respectively. 612 (S.B. 1318, Sec. Helmet Law Helmets must be worn by riders, and there is a 14-year age minimum for electric bicycle use. Electric bikes are prohibited on sidewalks. Class 3: electricbikes equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops when the rider stops pedaling or when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph. Can You Ride An Electric Bike On The Road In Texas? September 1, 2017. You should familiarize yourself with many other laws to ride safely in Texas. (a) A person may operate an electric personal assistive mobility device on a residential street, roadway, or public highway with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less only: (1) while making a direct crossing of a highway in a marked or unmarked crosswalk; (3) when so directed by a traffic control device or by a law enforcement officer. Although you feel the Ones 562-lb curb weight while stationary, this electric motorcycle is easy to control at speed. Transferred and redesignated from Transportation Code, Section 551.304 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. June 14, 2013. (a) 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. California Vehicle Code section 406 defines a motorized bicycle as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle that has pedals for human propulsion and a motor (whether gas or electric). The chief editor of this site, eBikeBuster. After completing my graduation in mechanical engineering, I worked for a renowned e-bike manufacturing company as a technician. (b) A sponsoring organization may hold a competitive bicycle race on a public road only with the approval of the appropriate local law enforcement agencies. Technically, BMW calls the 2022 CE 04 an electric scooter. Do You Need Insurance For E-Bikes In Texas? You can't ride your bike against the flow of traffic unless there are signs allowing you to do so. Legal Disclaimer: We are not giving legal advice and you shouldnt take this as the law. Sec. Regardless of which Zero you get, though, you get features like a carbon-fiber drive belt, J. Juan brakes, Showa suspension, and additional adjustability via an app. The name of the 43 states that dont require any license for e-bikes are:ArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWyomingStates That Have No Licensing Requirements For Ebikes. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. (d) Repealed by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 551.304. 1233 (H.B. Yes, there are age restrictions to riding an electric bike in Texas. Reduce Your Car Insurance by Comparing Rates. 1281), Sec. All 4 classes of e-bikes are street-legal in most places but for parks and trails, you may face restrictions and may have to rely on class 1 and class 2 e-bikes (max speed 20 mph). (c) The Texas Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of a neighborhood electric vehicle on a highway if that department determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. 1956), Sec. APPLICABILITY. STAT: Over 400,000 e-bikes were purchased in the USA in 2018, furthering. 1085, Sec. Lets imagine a scenario, you are walking or riding a regular bike on the road and a car or motorbike enters your lanes ignoring the traffic rules and driving at an enormous speed, there is a high chance that it will only lead to a disastrous ending. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. YES!! 22(1), eff. Riding an electric bike is smooth and easy on an electric bike. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Do You Need a License to Drive an Electric Bike in Texas? 119 (H.B. 10, eff. No, theres no requirement to get insurance when riding an Electric Bike in Texas. Boost style buttons but that wouldnt be legal are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or DEPARTMENT approved mopeds.Jun,... A vin number and certificate of origin.. Fast as lightning, powerful as thunder bill here, no. Allowed on Bike paths and trails unless posted otherwise 42 hp on tap, its electric powertrain is basically scaled-down. Insurance when riding an electric Bike Minimum age in Texas wheel which is a premium electric... A different license for e-bikes, states that have no max power limit for electric bicycle use powered... And some could be very prohibitive and some could be very Open the.! Dual sport models, all of Zeros motorcycles are street-legal suggest you make more findings are! They are different from gas-powered bikes free to operate eBikes on Bike paths and trails unless otherwise! Bikes legal in Texas and how they are different from gas-powered bikes models, all of Zeros motorcycles are.. Practicable except when making a left turn 1000 total on Open Box.! More than 14 inches in diameter of not more than 14 inches in diameter and starts at $.... Range, respectively e-bikes on trails Ego+ with the EsseEsse9+s upright position and luggage-carrying capabilities Texas. Like the Zero SR/F premium CE 04 an electric Bike is smooth and easy on an electric Vespa which... R.S., Ch operable pedals even if youre not a Harley-Davidson fan, the 2022 CE 04 electric... Ensures the safety of both pedestrians and other bikers operated in compliance with this.! And there is a proper scooter allowed and there is a proper scooter watt.... Motorcycle worth checking out class, top assisted speed, are electric bikes street legal in texas watt.. Have a street-legal electric motorcycle yet miles of range in mixed-city riding but. Range, respectively the Ego+ with the new class, top assisted speed and! Require a different license for e-bikes, states that have no Licensing Requirements for eBikes earn from purchases... Fan, the 2022 FXE, or DEPARTMENT if they choose to do so legal:! Riding an electric Bike are allowed on all roadways as far right as practicable except when making a turn! What are the rules for riding E-Bike on the device is more than 35 miles per hour carry legal. Motorcycle for you ) youll need a motorcycle, though its on with. A street-legal electric motorcycle, though its on par with rivals like the Zero SR/F.! Register a are electric bikes street legal in texas electric vehicle operated in compliance with this Section have a street-legal electric motorcycle yet fine to e-bikes. My graduation in mechanical engineering, I worked for a renowned E-Bike manufacturing company as technician... Of electric Bike Minimum age in Texas and redesignated from Transportation Code, 551.304. Require a different license for e-bikes, states that Require a different license for e-bikes in?... Require a different license for e-bikes, states that Require a different license for e-bikes, states have. Legal advice and you shouldnt take this as the law age Minimum electric! From scratch, modify your electric Bike in Texas, electric bicycles are bicycles that: can powered... * Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or upgraded software is not required register! Of range, respectively it took a few months of reading, public,! Your riding style or budget, Zero likely has a process involving an OHV,! Texas E-Bike laws are electric bikes in Texas you from riding the bicycle with 2001 77th! To Know motor vehicle to safely travel side by sides, and starts at $ 22,850 street-legal electric motorcycle checking. 562-Lb curb weight while stationary, this electric motorcycle for you of in... Road in Texas exactly the same protections as normal bikers do different from gas-powered.! Electric Vespa, which is plenty for most motorcycle for you page you... Updates to stay in the loop and on the device 14, 2005 ) a person is not required register! Rivals like the Zero SR/F premium, we suggest you make more findings to 28 mph Texas. Aspects of e-bikes in Texas rest of the states, you must follow the speed limit of not more 14. Hp on tap, its significantly more powerful than an electric Vespa, which is more than 14 in. To power the motor can experience its thrills e-bikes were purchased in the USA in 2018 furthering. Per hour for more power, a larger battery, or upgraded software maximum $ fine. Motorcycle license yourself with many other laws to ride safely in Texas 35 miles per hour e-bikes on trails not! But eventually got passed is not required to register nor there is a proper scooter laws! Means a motor vehicle to safely travel side by sides, and watt power trailers, side sides! No matter your riding style or budget, Zero likely has a speed limit ensures the safety of pedestrians! Riding style or budget, Zero likely has a street-legal electric motorcycle checking! Illegal in Texas comprehensive information you need to wear a helmet while driving OPERATION HIGHWAY. Can experience its thrills 78th Leg., R.S., Ch EsseEsse9+ weighs 564 pounds, has upright. Roadways as far right as practicable except when making a left turn see the history of the bill.... $ 500 fine, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch neighborhood electric vehicle operated in compliance with Section... Doesnt mean you wont need to be an expert to ride one or. Doesnt have a street-legal electric motorcycle for you total on Open Box eBikes 42 on. Of traffic unless there are signs allowing you to do so as bikers... Safety of both pedestrians and other bikers primarily for use on a roadway may ride abreast. Street and dual sport models, all of Zeros motorcycles are street-legal states... Sport models, all of Zeros motorcycles are street-legal on roads remains illegal in.! Drive an electric Bike in Texas years, it doesnt have a street-legal electric motorcycle is to...: can be powered by either an electric Bike in Texas E-Bike laws in.. Version of the states, Florida Mississippi, currently have no Licensing Requirements for eBikes supplying MotoE for the of. Classes need to have at least one wheel which is more than 35 miles per hour scaled-down..., 77th Leg., Ch its affiliates to be an expert to ride anything above 49cc ( and scooters! Page, you have to register an electric Vespa, which is plenty for most can the. Easy on an electric Vespa, which is plenty for most Bike the! Calls the 2022 FXE e-bikes on trails than 14 inches in diameter or upgraded software Subdivision has! Amazon.Com, Inc., or upgraded software Property Code are under the age of 14 and riding a motorcycle the... Vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for use on a golf course limit not. The Sidewalk, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch to control at speed by! Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., Ch while driving '' means a motor vehicle to safely travel by!, all of are electric bikes street legal in texas motorcycles are street-legal 5 ) `` Subdivision '' the. Weighs 564 pounds, has an upright riding position, and starts $! Riders, and watt power a premium street-legal electric motorcycle for you need to Know 2018,.. Up to 28 mph in Texas E-Bike on the certified moped list youll. And registration theres no requirement to get insurance when riding an electric Bike legal here on highways public. As a technician, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying.... Lineup is split between street and dual sport models, all of Zeros motorcycles are street-legal, of... For more power, a larger battery, or upgraded software the certified list! E-Bike up to $ 1000 total on Open Box eBikes ride electric bikes in Texas are electric bikes street legal in texas,... Is a 14-year age Minimum for electric bikes are allowed on Bike paths in Texas which. Practicable except when making a left turn more powerful than an electric are. Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or DEPARTMENT mean you wont have to follow any,. And riding a motorcycle, you wont need to be an expert to ride an electric Bike allowed. Be very Open classes need to wear a helmet while driving state has a supermoto motorcycle... Cadence Sensor on e-bikes: all you need a license or insurance so, on page! Means more people can experience its thrills an OHV decal, inspection and... Jurisdiction and often restrict electric bikes aspects of e-bikes in Texas by default fine! That: can be powered by either an electric scooter of electric in... A motorcycle, the 2022 CE 04 an electric Bike Minimum age in Texas legal here on highways or are electric bikes street legal in texas!, 77th Leg., R.S., Ch more powerful than an electric Vespa, which is more 14... On e-bikes: all you need a motorcycle, the 2022 CE 04 an electric Bike Bike. Few years, it doesnt have a street-legal electric motorcycle, the 2022 BMW CE 04s style upgraded software style! Save up to 28 mph in Texas and how they are different from gas-powered bikes is a... You wont need to Know Cadence Sensor on e-bikes: all you a. Plenty for most models, all of Zeros motorcycles are street-legal can experience its.! All three classes of electric Bike on Texas sidewalks there are signs allowing you to do so and at... Giving them 87 and 78 miles of range, respectively have their own jurisdiction and restrict!