Texas Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Roads only

House Bill 2188 adopted the three-class system in 2019. An e-bike that fits a class is regulated like a bicycle, and Texas law bars registering one for highway use. Class 3 riders must be 15 or older; a younger rider may be a passenger.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
15
E-bike helmet
No state rule
State parks
Roads only
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Texas

Texas rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1 and 2Class 1, 2NoneNoNoNoNo state ruleYes, unless city bansPaths open to bicycles
E-bike, Class 3Class 315NoNoNoNo state ruleYes, unless city bansPaths open to bicycles
Stand-up e-scooterMotor-assisted scooterNone in state lawNoNoNoNo state ruleYesBike paths
Seated e-scooter (moped)Moped: 30 mph max, 2 bhp max15Yes (class to verify)YesYesUnder 21NoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1 and 2. Roads, bike lanes and paths
  • E-bike, Class 3. Speedometer required; under 15 as passenger only
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Roads posted 35 mph or less; may cross faster roads at intersections
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). Roads and bike lanes

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Permanent label showing class, top assisted speed and motor wattage; motor cutoff when pedaling stops or brakes are applied; speedometer on Class 3; white front lamp and red rear reflector at night; Consumer Product Safety Commission bicycle requirements.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Cities and counties may ban bicycles, including e-bikes, from sidewalks and busy streets and set path speed limits, but may not ban e-bikes from paths open to bicycles except unpaved natural-surface trails closed to motor vehicles. Austin requires helmets under 18; Highland Park requires a permit and driver license; Prosper added registration in 2025.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Texas

Texas Parks and Wildlife treats e-bikes as motor vehicles in state parks: paved roads and parking areas only, no trails. Bills to open trails failed in 2023 (HB 715) and 2025 (SB 1865, HB 4089); a 2022 rule proposal was withdrawn.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1 and 2
Transp. Code 551.101-551.107; ch. 664
E-bike, Class 3
Transp. Code 551.106; HB 2188
Stand-up e-scooter
Transp. Code 551.351-551.352
Seated e-scooter (moped)
Transp. Code 541.201; ch. 661
Status
Verified
Open items
Moped license class
Last verified
Q4 2026