Government
BY JACQUELYN BURRER
Prosper council to hit the brakes on dangerous e-bike, e-motorcycle riding
What it means
Violations are misdemeanor charges, with a $250 fine for a first offense and $500 for a second offense within a year. Police Chief Doug Kowalski said citations may also be issued to parents who allow unlicensed juveniles to operate e-motorcycles and e-bicycles as they are classified as motor vehicles in the town.
Prosper officials are taking steps to rein in the town’s electric bicycle and motorcycle use amid recent reports of young riders speeding, violating traffic laws and creating safety hazards. Prosper Town Council members approved a new ordinance Oct. 28 in response, which goes into effect Dec. 1. Council members discussed the ordinance Oct. 14 and reviewed videos of dangerous e-bicycle and e-motorcycle usage around town, including young juveniles riding on main roads and one rider evading police officers at a shopping center. Prosper officials have previously adopted two town ordinances, including an April ordinance classifying e-bikes as motor vehicles and a July ordinance prohibiting e-bikes in specific park zones. Under state law, e-motorcycles are classified as motor vehicles, but e-bikes are not. E-motorcycles: • Classified as motor vehicles under state law • Require a Class M driver’s license—minimum age 16—registration and insurance E-bicycles: • Three classifications but treated the same as standard bicycles by state law • Do not require a license, registration or insurance • Must comply with bicycle traffic laws and local ordinances
Permitting: • A permit is required to operate an e-bike on streets, parking areas, trails and other town property
• Permits must be obtained in person at the Prosper Police Department, with no fee required • E-bike must be inspected and labeled with a visible permit sticker • Permit becomes invalid if bike is modified or if ownership changes • Lost permits require a police report Safety rules: • No headphones while riding • Lights required at night • Class 3 e-bikes prohibited for riders under 15 years old • Riders under 16 years old must wear a helmet Operating restrictions: • Riding banned in playgrounds, courts, fields, pavilions, open space and pedestrian-only walkways • E-bikes limited to 10 mph on specific park trails • Pocket bikes and mini-motorbikes follow only state law, not the new ordinance
“I was almost hit by a kid doing a wheelie ... It’s a problem that we need
to protect against.” MARCUS RAY, COUNCIL MEMBER
Looking ahead
In partnership with Prosper ISD, the police department plans to educate the public on the ordinance and the laws riders must follow for each kind of vehicle. The department is also coordinating its efforts with Celina’s police department, Kowalski said. Oct. 14: First e-bicycle, e-motorcycle Town Council discussion Oct. 28: Town Council approved new ordinance Dec. 1: New ordinance takes effect
SOURCE: TOWN OF PROSPER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
“It’s all fun and games until somebody gets hurt ... One of these children is going to get hurt or they’re going to hurt a pedestrian.” DOUG KOWALSKI, POLICE CHIEF
SOURCE: TOWN OF PROSPER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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