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The Colleyville City Council is considering additional regulations on e-bikes and scooters after a workshop and public hearing.
Officials are considering prohibiting listening devices, such as earbuds or over-the-ear headphones, for riders under 16; prohibiting passengers on e-bikes unless a parent is present; and requiring e-bike riders to have either a virtual or school ID while operating.
A list of potential penalties for breaking regulations were also workshopped, and included increased fines for each incremental infraction: $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense and $500 for a third offense.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported a steady rise of e-bike and other micromobility-related injuries since 2021. California, Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Arizona are the top states with the highest incidences of e-bike accidents, per an article from Velotricbike.
The state of Texas recognizes three types of e-bikes: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. Class 1 bikes are equipped with a pedal-assist-only motor which stops when the bikes reaches 20 miles per hour; Class 2 bikes are equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bike, but automatically stops with the bike reaches 20 miles per hour; and Class 3 bikes are equipped with a motor that stops when the bike reaches 28 miles per hour.
The state requires Class 3 users to be at least 15 years old.
Regulations and penalties surrounding Class 3 bikes were the Colleyville council's main concern, with additional proposed regulations including prohibiting use after dusk unless equipped with lighting and and reflectors; required helmet use; and prohibited use on unimproved surfaces or public property.
A second meeting to discuss e-bike and scooter regulations in Colleyville is scheduled for May 13.