Bill Text: TX HB934 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the operation of motor-assisted scooters.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-03-01 - Referred to Transportation [HB934 Detail]

Download: Texas-2021-HB934-Introduced.html

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87R573 MP-D
By: Raymond H.B. No. 934

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the operation of motor-assisted scooters.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 551.351(1), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(1) "Motor-assisted scooter":
(A) means a self-propelled device with:
(i) at least two wheels in contact with the
ground during operation;
(ii) a braking system capable of stopping
the device under typical operating conditions;
(iii) a gas motor with a displacement not
exceeding 40 cubic centimeters or an electric motor with a power
output not exceeding 2,000 watts [40 cubic centimeters];
(iv) a deck designed to allow a person to
stand or sit while operating the device; and
(v) the ability to be propelled by human
power alone; and
(B) does not include a pocket bike or a
minimotorbike.
SECTION 2. The heading to Section 551.352, Transportation
Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 551.352. OPERATION ON ROADWAYS [OR SIDEWALKS].
SECTION 3. Section 551.352, Transportation Code, is amended
by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as
follows:
(a) A person may operate a motor-assisted scooter [may be
operated only] on a street or highway only:
(1) in a bicycle lane; or
(2) on a street or highway without a bicycle lane if:
(A) [for which] the posted speed limit is 30 [35]
miles per hour or less; and
(B) the operator complies with Section 551.103,
regardless of whether the operator is moving slower than the other
traffic on the roadway.
(a-1) A [The] motor-assisted scooter on a street or highway
without a bicycle lane may cross a highway [road] or street at an
intersection where the highway [road] or street has a posted speed
limit of more than 30 [35] miles per hour.
SECTION 4. Sections 551.352(b) and (c), Transportation
Code, are redesignated as Section 551.354, Transportation Code, and
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 551.354. LOCAL AND DEPARTMENT REGULATION. (a)
[(b)] A county or municipality may:
(1) further restrict the speed at which a person may
operate a motor-assisted scooter;
(2) further restrict the locations a person may
operate a motor-assisted scooter;
(3) impose a minimum age requirement for the operator
of a motor-assisted scooter;
(4) impose a higher criminal or civil penalty for a
violation of a traffic law by an operator of a motor-assisted
scooter;
(5) restrict the locations a person may park a
motor-assisted scooter;
(6) require the operator of a motor-assisted scooter
to wear a safety helmet; or
(7) prohibit the operation of a motor-assisted scooter
on a street, highway, or sidewalk if the governing body of the
county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary
in the interest of safety.
(b) [(c)] The department may prohibit the operation of a
motor-assisted scooter on a highway if it determines that the
prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
SECTION 5. Section 551.352(d), Transportation Code, is
redesignated as Sections 551.3521 and 551.3522, Transportation
Code, and amended to read as follows:
Sec. 551.3521. OPERATION ON SIDEWALKS AND OTHER AREAS
PRIMARILY FOR NONMOTORIZED TRAFFIC. [(d)] A person may operate a
motor-assisted scooter on a path set aside primarily for the use of
nonmotorized traffic, including [exclusive operation of bicycles
or on] a sidewalk.
Sec. 551.3522. APPLICABILITY OF BICYCLE AND MOTOR VEHICLE
LAWS. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter
[section], a provision of this title applicable to the operation of
a bicycle applies to the operation of a motor-assisted scooter.
SECTION 6. Section 551.352(e), Transportation Code, is
transferred to Section 551.3522, Transportation Code, as added by
this Act, and redesignated as Section 551.3522(b), Transportation
Code, to read as follows:
(b) [(e)] A provision of this title applicable to a motor
vehicle does not apply to a motor-assisted scooter.
SECTION 7. Subchapter E, Chapter 551, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Sections 551.355, 551.356, and 551.357 to read
as follows:
Sec. 551.355. LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF RIDERS. A person may
not use a motor-assisted scooter to carry more than one person.
Sec. 551.356. LIMITATION ON SPEED. A person may not operate
a motor-assisted scooter at a speed that exceeds:
(1) 15 miles per hour if the person is standing; or
(2) 20 miles per hour if the person is seated.
Sec. 551.357. REQUIREMENT TO YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS. A
person operating a motor-assisted scooter shall yield the
right-of-way to a pedestrian.
SECTION 8. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.