Katy staff to draft updated e-bike and e-scooter rules including 10 mph sidewalk limit and helmet requirement

At the March 18 workshop, City of Katy staff told the council they would update a 1999 motor-assisted scooter ordinance and propose separate rules for e-bikes and electric scooters.

Police Chief Will summarized state classifications for e-bikes and said staff would apply those distinctions locally. "Class 3 is up to 28 miles an hour," Chief Will said, and staff indicated class 3 bikes should be operated on roads rather than sidewalks. He said lower-power classes and scooters could be limited to slower speeds on sidewalks.

Council members pressed staff on helmet and hearing restrictions after noting frequent rider groups near schools. One council member asked whether helmets, "like, you need to have a helmet," would be required; Chief Will replied, "Yes. Need to have a helmet." Staff also proposed banning devices that restrict hearing (earbuds/headphones) while operating and recommended a sidewalk speed cap of 10 mph where riders are allowed to use the sidewalk.

On enforcement and training, staff said they did not plan a formal training requirement and that officers would need to stop and inspect vehicles to determine vehicle class if speed or power was in question. The council briefly discussed neighboring Fulshear’s recent adoption of similar rules; staff said they could add language for dockless/shared providers (Lime, Uber/Lime) although there are few obvious use areas in town today.

No action was taken at the workshop; staff will draft language and circulate it to council members before a future meeting.