Aledo targets e-bikes and golf carts after complaints about safety
The city of Aledo is considering ordinances targeting e-bikes and golf carts following numerous complaints from residents that riders are ignoring traffic rules, running stop signs and disregarding pedestrians on sidewalks.
The Aledo Police Department is recommending that the City Council adopt the following rules during its June 18 meeting:
• Require golf carts to obtain an annual permit.
• Prohibit golf carts from operating on FM 1187 and FM 5.
• Prohibit passengers under 4 on golf carts.
• Prohibit recreational off-road vehicles from operating on highways.
• Prohibit bicycles and e-bikes from sidewalks.
• Require riders under 18 to wear a helmet.
City Council member Todd Covington wrote about three “near misses” with e-bikes when he shared slides on Facebook from the police department’s June 4 City Council presentation on the issue.
“This evening while driving north on 1187 I saw a pack of E-Bikes (all wearing helmets) all headed south on the sidewalk at a very high rate of speed. Someone got left behind so they decided to enter 1187 and head south to catch up,” Covington wrote in his post.
“This seems to be an issue that we need to address, and again I would like your feedback.”Covington referred questions to City Manager Candice Edmondson, who said she expects the council to adopt the police department’s recommendations. Police Chief Carol L. Riddle did not return a request for comment.
According to Texas law e-bikes under 28 mph are treated like regular bicycles are regulated the same, meaning must follow the same laws as motorists.
Texas defines e-bikes in three classes:
- Pedal-assist, with top speed of 20 mph. Typically permitted on bike paths, trails, and roads where bicycles are permitted.
- Throttle assist (motor can propel bike without pedaling) with top speed of 20 mph. Typically permitted on bike paths, trails, and roads where bicycles are permitted.
- Pedal-assist with higher speed limit (motor provides assistance up to 28 mph). Typically permitted on roads, some bike paths and trails.
Class three riders must be 15 and the bike must have a speedometer. Texas law also requires that a permit label be clearly visible on bikes showing what class they fall under. If the bikes are fully motorized they are prohibited on roadways.
E-bikes have caused an increase in injuries to pedestrians and users, according to previous Star-Telegram reporting.
