Houston could ban scooters in downtown
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A downtown Houston e-scooter commuter in 2021. Photo by: Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images
Houston could soon ban the use of e-scooters in and around downtown.
Why it matters: Transportation advocates argue the move furthers what critics say are Mayor John Whitmire's "cars over people" policies, while proponents say a ban would alleviate public safety concerns.
Driving the news: A City Council committee will meet Thursday to discuss creating a "scooter-free zone" that includes downtown, Midtown and East Downtown.
- The proposal was drafted by Houston police and the city.
The big picture: If the measure passes, Houston would likely become the first major U.S. city with an active e-scooter ban in its downtown.
- It would join international cities like Madrid, Toronto, Paris and Melbourne, Australia.
Flashback: In 2021, the city banned scooters on sidewalks and prohibited vendors from using public right-of-way to rent them out.
- Since then, e-scooter rental companies have proliferated downtown.
Zoom in: Whitmire says he is concerned with scooter riders operating dangerously around the city center, adding that some businesses and the police chief have also raised concerns.
- Twenty-three Houston crashes involved scooters in 2024, up from 20 in 2023, 10 in 2022 and three in 2021, according to the city. Riders died in three of those crashes, and at least one person died on an e-scooter in 2025.
The other side: Michael Moritz, a Houston transportation advocate, says such a ban would limit downtown activity and hinder those who commute to work on e-scooters.
- "Mayor Whitmire has proven with his policies that he does not believe Houstonians should have the freedom to choose how they move," Moritz tells Axios.
- Some scooter rental vendors say a ban would be the "worst-case scenario" for business.
What they're saying: "The vast majority of individuals using scooters in the area are not Houstonians but instead come here for joyriding, rather than using them for school or work," Whitmire said in a statement to Axios.
- "Many scooter users disregard traffic laws, putting themselves and others at risk," Whitmire said. "(Thursday's meeting is) part of the process, and I welcome public feedback."
What's next: Thursday's meeting begins at 10am at City Hall.