Little Elm's scooter ordinance would grow to cover electric bicycles and pocket bikes under a proposal the Town Council takes up Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Ordinance No. 1879 is listed among the consent items, which pass together on one motion unless a council member pulls one out to debate it. The meeting starts with a 6 p.m. workshop at Town Hall, 100 W. Eldorado Parkway. Staff recommend approval and list no budget impact.
The town first discussed the rules at a Sept. 15 workshop. Staff say the version now on the agenda clarifies how many passengers an e-bike may carry, following council direction from that session.
What riders would see
The ordinance uses the three e-bike classes found in state law: Class 1 bikes assist only while the rider pedals and top out at 20 mph; Class 2 bikes can move without pedaling and also top out at 20 mph; Class 3 bikes are pedal-assist models that reach speeds above 20 mph but below 28.
Under the draft:
- No one under 15 could ride a Class 3 e-bike on any public way or public property in town.
- E-bike riders on sidewalks, trails and shared-use paths would have to yield to people on foot.
- Speed on e-bikes would be capped at 10 mph in town parks, on town trails and on shared-use paths on public property, unless a sign posts a different limit.
- An e-bike could carry only as many people as it has permanent seats, though a child could ride in a properly attached child seat.
- After dusk, an e-bike would need a white front light visible from 500 feet and either a red rear reflector visible from 300 feet or a rear lamp visible from 500 feet.
- Helmet rules that now apply to scooters would extend to e-bike riders under 18.
Mini-motorbikes and pocket bikes, defined as small motorized two-wheelers with engines under 50 cubic centimeters or electric motors that are not built for highways and cannot be titled, would be barred from public streets, sidewalks, trails and other public property for riders of any age.
