Does anyone know the requirments for motorized bikes in texas?

Bicycles and electric bicycles are legally defined in the Texas Transportation code Chapter 551; titled " Operation of Bicycles, Mopeds, and play vehicles in subchapter A, B, C, and D.

tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/index.htm

Go too " Transportation Code", then "Chapter 551".

www.moped2.org/laws/texas/htm

Post edited by: spookyto, at: 2008/03/21 00:49

Post edited by: fairracing31, at: 2008/03/21 20:32

Motorized Bicycles in Texas can be defined as "motor assisted scooters" and not "mopeds". When you take this translation of Texas State Code 551.301, you see that motorized bikes are legal up to 40cc and able to operate on roads w/ speed limits posted at 35 mph. I guess this means you can drive at 35 mph on smaller side streets, but not big highways?

"Motor assisted scooter":
(A) means a self-propelled device with:
(i) at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation;
(ii) a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions;
(iii) a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters;
(iv) a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device; and
(v) the ability to be propelled by human power alone

Read Subchapter E-5 on this page http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/TN/content/pdf/tn.007.00.000551.00.pdf

In Texas a motor assisted scooter or electric bike can travel on roads with speed limits posted up to 35 MPH but the scooter or bike is not to exceed 20 MPH. Also as mentioned above the scooter or bike can not be powered by more than a 750W electric motor, or 40cc gas engine with no more than 2HP. Anything bigger than this is considered a motor vehicle that must be registered, inspected, requiring liability insurance and an operators license.

Also the local authorities, county or city may ban the scooter or bike from use on the street.

A Moped which must be registered and inspected with insurance and a drivers license can not exceed 30 MPH.

If your bike can exceed 20 MPH it must be registered as a moped, if it can go faster than 30 MPH it must be registered as a motorcycle.

That is my understanding, there truly is no established laws concerning gas powered motor-assisted bikes in Texas, but I would advise you to keep it under 20 MPH or "The Law" may be telling you to peddle it on home and leave it there. If you live in a rural area you may not have any problems, but if you live in a populous area you might have some problems operating on the street.

If someone can add to this or correct me, please do.

Post edited by: outdoorcat75455, at: 2008/05/24 09:23

hey, where in texas are you?. i just ordered myself a bike and im kind of curious of what the laws are and such as well.