86R7175 MP-D
 
  By: West S.B. No. 549
 
 
 
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 1,000 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.  Subchapter E, Chapter 551, Transportation Code,
  is amended by adding Section 551.3515 to read as follows:
         Sec. 551.3515.  GENERAL OPERATION OF MOTOR-ASSISTED
  SCOOTERS.  (a)  A person must hold a valid driver's license and be at
  least 16 years of age to operate a motor-assisted scooter.
         (b)  A person may not use a motor-assisted scooter to carry
  more than one person.
         SECTION 3.  Section 551.352, Transportation Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 551.352.  OPERATION ON ROADWAYS OR BICYCLE PATHS 
  [SIDEWALKS]. (a)  A person may operate a motor-assisted scooter
  [may be operated] only:
               (1)  on a path set aside for the exclusive use of
  bicycles, pedestrians, or both; or
               (2)  on a roadway in a bicycle lane, except as provided
  by Subsection (b) [street or highway for which the posted speed
  limit is 35 miles per hour or less. The motor-assisted scooter may
  cross a road or street at an intersection where the road or street
  has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour].
         (b)  A person may operate a motor-assisted scooter on a
  roadway without a bicycle lane if:
               (1)  the roadway has a speed limit of 30 miles per hour
  or less; and
               (2)  the person rides as near as practicable to the
  right curb or edge of the roadway, unless:
                     (A)  the person is:
                           (i)  operating the scooter on a one-way
  roadway, in which case the operator shall ride as near as
  practicable to the left curb or edge of the roadway;
                           (ii)  overtaking or passing another vehicle
  that is proceeding in the same direction;
                           (iii)  preparing to execute a left turn; or
                           (iv)  riding alongside not more than one
  other motor-assisted scooter and both operators are riding in a
  single lane and in a manner that does not impede the normal and
  reasonable movement of traffic on the roadway; or
                     (B)  hazardous conditions make it reasonably
  necessary for the operator to avoid the curb or edge of the roadway
  [A county or municipality may 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].
         (c)  A person may not operate a motor-assisted scooter at a
  speed that exceeds 15 miles per hour.
         (d)  A person operating a motor-assisted scooter shall yield
  the right-of-way to a pedestrian.
         (e)  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.
         [(d)     A person may operate a motor-assisted scooter on a path
  set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles or on a sidewalk.
  Except as otherwise provided by this section, a provision of this
  title applicable to the operation of a bicycle applies to the
  operation of a motor-assisted scooter.]
         (f) [(e)]  A provision of this title applicable to a motor
  vehicle does not apply to a motor-assisted scooter.
         SECTION 4.  Subchapter E, Chapter 551, Transportation Code,
  is amended by adding Sections 551.354 and 551.355 to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 551.354.  PARKING.  A person may not park a
  motor-assisted scooter in a manner that obstructs a roadway, path,
  or sidewalk.
         Sec. 551.355.  EFFECT OF SUBCHAPTER ON OTHER LAW. 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)  increase the minimum age requirement for the
  operator of a motor-assisted scooter;
               (4)  impose a higher criminal or civil penalty for a
  violation of this subchapter;
               (5)  further 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.
         SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.