Austin City Council to consider rules for e-motos
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An electric motorcycle. Photo: He Penglei/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images
The Austin City Council on Thursday will consider taking an initial step toward regulating electric dirt bikes and mini motorcyles, or e-motos.
Why it matters: A growing number of children and teens are riding the high-powered bikes on Austin streets, alarming residents and prompting safety concerns from local officials.
Driving the news: The resolution from Council Member Paige Ellis would direct the city manager to update regulations and enforcement regarding the bikes and train Austin police officers on the new rules.
- If the resolution is approved, the city manager would also explore a designated recreation area where riders could legally use e-motos off public streets and trails.
- The measure is co-sponsored by Council Members Ryan Alter, Marc Duchen and Krista Laine.
What they're saying: "In conversations with my constituents and APD, it's clear that this is an important safety issue," Ellis, who represents West Austin, said in a statement.
- "I'm eager to find a way forward that prioritizes child safety and creates more clarity for everyone when it comes to how to minimize danger when using e-moto bikes."
How it works: Electric dirt bikes and e-motos aren't the same as e-bikes.
- E-motos have a similar frame to e-bikes, but they have a throttle — like a motorcycle's — that propels the e-moto without pedaling.
- E-motos can go 30-60 mph, while e-bikes are pedal-assisted and the electric motor cuts out at 28 mph.
Zoom in: In Austin, there is no local code dictating where e-motos can operate, meaning they can be ridden on roads, bike lanes, sidewalks, shared-use paths, park trails or drainage infrastructure, according to Ellis.
Context: The city doesn't track accidents involving electric dirt bikes or e-motos specifically.
Zoom out: Austin joins a growing number of cities and states beginning to regulate e-motos as their popularity surges, especially among young riders.
- The bikes have become increasingly visible in neighborhoods, in parks and on major roadways, where riders are often seen weaving through traffic, riding wheelies or operating without helmets.
What's next: City council members will meet at 10am.
- You can watch online or in person at City Hall.