Increase in e-bike usage prompts Keller City Council to approve new safety rules

Keller City Council unanimously approved an amendment to add new rules for electric bicycle usage in the city.during its regular council meeting Dec. 2.

In a nutshell

An increase in e-bike usage has created safety concerns for riders as well as motorists and pedestrians, according to city documents. Some city parks and public property have also seen damage from e-bike usage.

The updated rules for riding e-bikes in the city are as follows:

Riders can only ride on a permanent and regular seat attached to the e-bikeRiders cannot carry more people than the e-bike is designed to carryRiders cannot carry any object that prevents them from operating the e-bike with at least one handRiders cannot attach the e-bike or themselves to another vehicle on the roadwayRiders cannot operate an e-bike at night unless equipped with a lamp on the front with a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet and either a red reflector on the rear visible from all distances from 50 to 300 feet or a lamp on the rear, which emits a red light that is visible from 500 feetRiders cannot operate an e-bike unless its motor disengages or ceases to function when the operator stops pedaling or when the brakes are appliedRiders under 15 years of age cannot ride a Class 3 e-bikeRiders under 16 years of age cannot ride an e-bike without a helmetRiders cannot wear headphones, earbuds, ear plugs or other noise-reduction devices while operating an e-bikeClass 3 e-bikes are defined by the Texas Transportation Code as a bike with a motor that assists the rider only when they are pedaling and a top-assisted speed of more than 20 mph but less than 28 mph. However, Keller riders are not allowed to exceed a speed of 15 mph, according to city documents.

Dig deeper

Riders in violation of city rules will be guilty of a misdemeanor with a fine not to exceed $200. A third offense within a 12-month period will lead to the impoundment of the e-bike with written notice to the owner, according to city documents.

E-bikes are to be released once the owner pays applicable fines and impoundment fees as set by the city at that time.

Rachel Reynolds, the city’s communication and public engagement manager, said the new rules are in effect immediately. Keller Police Department will focus first on education efforts for the new rules, she said.