Electric bikes are getting more and more popular, especially now that gas prices are getting kinda crazy, but are they legal for El Paso roadways?<\/p>\n
The answer is a little complicated and it varies from place to place in Texas. The lone star state says yes but local counties and municipalities are allowed to write their own laws.<\/p>\n
What’s totally cool in El Paso, may be more limited in\u00a0Cornudas. (I really doubt that though, Cornudas is cool AF<\/a>.)<\/p>\n Texas in general is ok with electric bicycles if they meet certain criteria. Gas powered minibikes are NOT street legal.<\/p>\n Which E Bikes Are Street Legal In Texas?<\/p>\n A street-legal electric bicycle must have fully operable pedals, a motor of less than 750 watts, and a top assisted speed of no more than 28 mph. Vehicles that exceed those limits may be regulated differently and may not qualify as electric bicycles under Texas law. – heybike.com\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n If your bike is more powerful, missing the pedals or totally hauls ass; you are in violation. Penalties could include fines or impounding the bike<\/a>. Parents, keep that in mind if your kid has one, their mistake could cost YOU big.<\/p>\n Who Can Ride, (Legal), E-Bikes On Streets?<\/p>\n There are\u00a03 classes of E-Bikes in Texas<\/a>, class 3 riders must be at least 15. If the E-bike is equipped for passengers, the passenger can be under 15.\u00a0 Classes 1 and 2 are recommended for casual, city riding with the more powerful, 3rd class E-bikes better suited for longer distances.<\/p>\n E-Bike FAQ’s<\/p>\n License, Registration Or Insurance Required? No. (Not for legal E-Bikes.)<\/p>\n Are Helmets Required? No. (But they’re highly recommended.)<\/p>\n Where Are E-Bikes Allowed? (Pretty much) Anywhere regular bicycles are legal. Not on park trails though and sidewalks are iffy.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Biker Hand Signals Drivers Should Know<\/a><\/p>\n What Are The Laws For E-Bikes?<\/p>\n Laws can vary from place to place but, pretty much, the same laws<\/a> regular bicyclists must follow. The city of El Paso website<\/a> says E-Bikes must:<\/p>\n Devices may operate seven days a week. Operating hours shall be limited to 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Riders must always yield to pedestrians. When utilizing sidewalks where pedestrians are present, riders shall maintain a low rate of speed and provide an audible signal when passing such pedestrians.Riders may not use mobile phones while operating a device.Riders must use bike lanes when available.If ridden on a sidewalk, riders must maintain a distance of two feet from all pedestrians.Riders must obey all state and city traffic laws.<\/p>\n Again, every single thing in this article could be different in another part of Texas. Check your local laws.<\/p>\n Biker Hand Signals El Paso Drivers Should Know<\/p>\n Biker Hand Signals El Paso Drivers Should Know<\/p>\n