Know if Your Child’s Bike is Street-Legal

With e-bikes and electric motorcycles becoming more popular, it’s important to know the difference as the new school year gets underway.

E-bikes are allowed on sidewalks, public roads and at school, and a legal e-bike must meet the following requirements:

• Have fully operable pedals
• Be equipped with an 750-watt or less electric motor
• Not exceed 28 mph
• Meet the definition of a bicycle under Texas law

Electric dirt bikes, off-highway motorcycles and other similar vehicles are not considered street legal and cannot ride on sidewalks. They generally do not have pedals and can go much faster than an e-bike, posing danger to other riders, pedestrians and vehicles.

Non-street legal vehicles are not allowed on school property, and operating a non-street legal vehicle can result in citations, fines or other consequences.

If students do ride their bike to school, please make sure they wear an appropriate helmet, and have a conversation with them about traffic laws and staying aware of their surroundings.