Katy Officials Point Out E-Bike Violations Can Impact Teens Getting Driver's License
- ncookclark
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 29, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
Local officials are stressing to Katy families the dangers and potential legal risks to driving popular electric motorcycles or bikes.
A popular Christmas gift this holiday season were bikes and scooters with electric motors (e-bikes and e-scooters.) While these are fun and a quicker way to get to school, authorities urge residents to proceed with caution and understand how to stay safe.
On top of the obvious safety risks, citations involving these bikes can impact the ability to get a driver's license. This is a fact that Fort Bend County Constable Chad Norvell took to social media to remind families of.
Citations Can Impact Driver's License
"These electric motorcycles have become a significant issue in our area," says Constable Norvell, who shared a video on social media showing the problem. "If your child’s 'e-bike' doesn’t have pedals, it’s a motorcycle and not legal for street use. They will receive a citation and it could affect their ability to receive a driver’s license when they turn 16."
Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office turned to social media eariler this month to share important e-scooter and e-bike safety tips. According to FBCSO, they have been seeing a lot of collisions lately involving these scooters.
Since scooters can reach at a higher speed, it’s more important than ever for riders to follow safe practices.
Stay Safe on Your New Electric Vehicle
Slow Down- Ride at a controlled speed, especially near driveways and intersections.
Avoid Distractions- No loud music or texting. You need to be aware of what is happening around you.
Play it Safe- Wear a helmet in case of a fall.
Know the Rules- Follow the same rules as pedestrians and drivers.
Always Stop- Completely stop at crosswalks and make sure drivers can see you.
Use Lights- When it’s dark use front and rear lights. If your scooter or bike doesn’t have lights, add them.
It is also important to understand laws and practices when it comes to your new toy. Harris County recently took to social media to remind residents that motorcycles and dirt bikes, whether gas-powered or electric, are prohibited.
All bicycles with pedals are allowed, as are scooters, whether they are electric or not. It’s important to note that while electric scooters and bikes are allowed that riders must still adhere to safe practices and law enforcement will enforce.
It is important to understand the difference and the popularity of e-bikes is drawing a lot of comparisons to motorcycles, especially smaller ones.
Fort Bend County Precinct 1 shared a helpful guide.
E-bikes have pedals and electric motors not to exceed 750 watts. They’re viewed as “bicycles” under Texas law. (TTC 664.001)
Electric motorcycles have a larger motor and will exceed 28 MPH. These are not legal on trails or sidewalks. They are only legal on the roadway if they’re registered, have insurance and the operator has a Class M driver’s license. They may also be ridden on your private property such as a deer lease, just as any other off-road vehicle may be.
Whether you have one of these hot holiday gifts or not, Katy residents need to be aware when driving near schools. Expect students to be riding them and always slow down around schools and follow the law.
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