AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police are ramping up education and enforcement when it comes to high-powered electric vehicles, specifically electric motorcycles.
This comes, three months after the Austin City Council unanimously passed a resolution brought forward by council member Paige Ellis, after constituents in her district raised safety concerns regarding the electronic vehicles.
E-bikes and e-motorcycles may look similar, but the rules for each are very different.
According to APD, an ‘e-moto’ refers to any self-propelled device that is not classified as a moped, mobility device, lacks operable pedals or has a 750-watt or higher motor, or can exceed 28 miles per hour.
E-bikes, have fully operable pedals, a motor less than 750 watts, and can only reach a peak of 28 mph.
ALSO | East Texas faces flooding as Ross Fire burns 90,000 acres
In an August memo, Austin Police, Austin Transportation and Public Works, and the City Attorney’s Office found that after a review of state law and city code, “e-motos” are properly classified by the state as motor vehicles.
This means riders must have a vehicle registration, insurance, and an appropriate driver’s license. Anyone under the age of 18 can not operate one on a public road without a proper license.
They cannot be operated on sidewalks or trails in Austin.
Enforcement options vary case by case. A warning would first be issued if an officer determines it will stop the e-moto rider’s illegal behavior. If the behavior will likely continue, a citation will be issued. APD said some citations are required by police, if for example a rider doesn’t have their e-moto registered.
APD also said an arrest can be made if a rider is displaying dangerous behavior.
APD said definitions, clarifications and examples have been provided to officers through a departmental training bulletin to help identify each device and understand enforcement options, especially when dangerous driving behaviors are observed.
Educational videos and social media campaigns have also been developed and shared by APD and Austin Parks & Recreation.
Austin park rangers also said parks officials are taking an educational approach.
When staff see an e-moto on a trail or in a park, they will attempt to initiate an educational conversation about the legality and safety concerns that come with riding “e-motos” on trails. If they can’t have a conversation, they will call 911 to make a report to APD so that they can better understand the problem.
Council member Ellis along with other city leaders are expected to provide a three month update on the resolution and what comes next at a press conference at 12:30 p.m.