Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, the Lone Star State continues to regulate electric scooters under the classification of motor-assisted scooters within the Texas Transportation Code (§ 551.351).
While the state provides a foundational set of rules, it explicitly grants broad authority to cities and counties to create "no-ride zones" and enforce unique curfews.
A 2025 legislative update (HB 4706) has further clarified the rights of e-scooter riders as "sidewalk users," granting them specific protections at crosswalks and intersections.
State-level classification and definition
Under the Texas Transportation Code, a motor-assisted scooter is defined by its mechanical and power specifications.
Design: A self-propelled vehicle with at least two wheels in contact with the ground and a deck designed for standing or sitting.
Power: Equipped with a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters (approximately 1,000 Watts).
Speed: Capable of being propelled by the motor alone, though state law generally caps the legal operational speed on public roads at 20 mph.
Human Power: The vehicle must also have the ability to be propelled by human power alone.
2026 Legislative Updates and Sidewalk User Rights
Note: As of September 1, 2025, the "Sidewalk User" Act is in full effect across the state.
Current Status: Registration, titling, and insurance are not required for personally owned electric scooters.
Intersection Rights: HB 4706 requires motor vehicle operators to yield the right-of-way to e-scooter riders (classified as sidewalk users) in crosswalks and at intersections.
Sidewalk Speed Limit: While riding on sidewalks, state law now considers a speed greater than 8 mph as prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent.
Houston Curfew: In late 2025, Houston City Council unanimously approved a curfew (8 p.m. to 4 a.m.) and restricted zones for e-scooter operation in Downtown and Midtown.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or specialized permit is required by the state to operate an electric scooter.
Minimum Age: Texas does not have a statewide minimum age, but most municipalities—including Austin and Dallas—set the minimum age for street operation at 16 or 17 years old.
Shared Mobility: Rental programs almost exclusively require riders to be at least 18 years old and possess a valid government-issued ID.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in Texas, a scooter must meet the following technical and safety standards:
Brakes: A functional braking system capable of stopping the vehicl under typical conditions.
Night Lighting: For nighttime use, the state requires a white front lamp (visible from 500 feet) and a red rear light or reflector (visible from 300 feet).
Capacity: Scooters are designed for a single rider; carrying passengers is generally prohibited by local ordinance.
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators must adhere to standard traffic laws and local restrictions regarding sidewalk access.
Roadways: Permitted on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. Riders must stay as near to the right side of the roadway as possible.
Sidewalks: Permitted by state law unless a local authority determines a prohibition is necessary for safety. Many cities ban sidewalk riding in business districts.
Bike Lanes: Generally permitted on paths exclusive to bicycles and shared-use city trails.
Yielding: Operators must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.
Helmet laws
Mandatory: There is no statewide helmet mandate for adults in Texas.
Minors: Several cities, such as McKinney and Bedford, require riders 17 years of age and under to wear a helmet.
Adults: While not required, helmets are strongly advocated by the Texas Department of Transportation and local law enforcement.
Disclaimer: Bo USA Inc. endeavours to keep these documents up to date and relevant, however does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the included findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States. Always carry out secondary research to validate any statement - and refer directly to the relevant authority before presuming accuracy.
Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin riding electric scooters should refer to their local governments to obtain the most up-to-date information on the applicable, local legal standing of scooters.
The Bo Model-M: Since the electric scooter is legal in Texas, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to have a real integrity and quality to its manufacture. This means it will bring you pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, it is interesting to know that Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took plasticky toys and ruggedised them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for local journeys.
Of course, you can only really feel the benefit of that when you ride it for yourself; that is why we give an extraordinary 60 day return policy and have a customer response team full of the engineers who made it. When you contact Bo, you're going straight to the source.
Visit the Model M page - click here
Learn more about how we made the 'M' - click here
Go watch a Youtube about the Model-M - click here
Return to the State-by-State regulation page - click here
