The appeal of suburban life is its peace, quiet and sense of safety — but in one of the fastest-growing areas in the San Antonio metro area, police say a rising safety issue is prompting action.
On Monday, April 27, the Boerne Police Department announced plans to step up enforcement on electric dirt bikes and e-bikes within city limits. In a Facebook post, the department cited a growing trend of unlawful use, with many residents noting that young children are operating the bikes unsafely, creating a public safety risk.
The Facebook post generated comments echoing the concern by police.
“Kids in my neighborhood ride these and regular gas powered dirt bikes everywhere,” Facebook user Brennan Avants said in the comment section of the post. “Accident waiting to happen the way the fly around corners here.”
In recent years, some Texas Hill Country parents have embraced a “free-range kids” approach, reminiscent of a time when children rode bikes with friends until the streetlights came on. But the rise of e-bikes has introduced a new set of challenges.
“I was walking my dogs and there was a whole biker gang of 10 year olds, zipping past me. They were casually discussing their Grandmas ❤️,” said one commentor.
Boerne police say Class 3 e-bike riders must be at least 15, and off-road e-bikes are not allowed on public roads or sidewalks. Anyone caught riding recklessly could face citations or other enforcement.
Officers will begin actively enforcing the law, according to the department’s Facebook post.
To be street-legal, e-bikes must have working pedals, a motor under 750 watts and a top assisted speed of 28 mph or less. Under Texas law, compliant e-bikes are treated like traditional bicycles.
Police say many of the electric dirt bikes they’re seeing do not meet these standards and are subject to stricter regulations.
“These vehicles often exceed speed and power limits and lack required safety equipment, making them subject to motor vehicle laws. This means they may require registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license to operate legally on public roadways,” the department’s Facebook post reads.
City officials told MySA on Monday, April 27, that there was no significant incident that prompted the safety notice.
“Our officers have observed a noticeable uptick in the presence of e-bikes on roadways, and we have also received several calls from residents expressing concerns about their use within local neighborhoods,” the city said in a statement. “While these reports have not been tied to any single event, they do indicate a growing trend here in Boerne, which is why we are being proactive in our engagement and providing awareness to residents.”