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New rules against e-bikes in The Woodlands
The Woodlands Township is enforcing their initiative to combat a rise in reckless riding and significant injuries involving electric vehicles. FOX 26's Angie Rodriguez explains the warnings for kids and parents.
THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP, Texas - With summer break just around the corner, The Woodlands Township is issuing a stern warning to parents and teens: those high-speed electric bikes and scooters are more than just toys—they are motorized vehicles, and they are largely illegal on the community’s pathways.
The Woodlands Township ‘E-Device’ crackdown
Local officials have launched an educational initiative to combat a rise in reckless riding and significant injuries involving electric vehicles (EVs), according to the Woodlands Township Fire Department and the Montgomery County Hospital District.
By the numbers:
The Woodlands Township's Department of Parks and Recreation says they have over 220 miles of pathways. But local officials say none are designed for the speeds modern e-scooters can reach.
The Woodlands Fire Chief Palmer Buck says many parents may not realize the power behind the devices they are buying for their children.
"I think parents haven't caught up with the change," Buck said. "From the push scooters, pedal scooters that we saw a lot of kids with a lot of, my kids grew up on, too. Now, these e-scooters and e-bikes can go so much faster. We're talking about e-scooters. They can reach speeds of 20 to even 30 miles an hour."
Electric bikes, scooters raise safety concerns in The Woodlands
Electric bikes and scooters are raising safety concerns in The Woodlands, where officials say they’re being used in areas where they are not allowed. Authorities are urging riders to follow the rules after a recent crash left an elderly woman hospitalized.
The medical consequences of crashing at those speeds are far more severe than a typical bicycle fall, according to Montgomery County Hospital District Chief James Campbell. He points out that the force involved in these accidents often rivals motor vehicle collisions.
"That's our biggest fear when we look at EV vehicles, the injury pattern versus an EV vehicle versus a regular bicycle, we're seeing, more significant injury," Campbell said. "So, if you think about for perspective, in a motor vehicle, the airbag can generally go off at about 15 miles an hour and up. So we're talking about EV vehicles that are averaging speeds between 20 and 30 miles an hour."
How Montgomery County is enforcing the law
What You Should Know:
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up enforcement across the county, with a strategy that shifts based on the age of the rider:
- Young Children: If a deputy observes illegal operation, parents will be contacted directly.
- Teens (15 and older): Riders in this age bracket can be issued official warnings or citations.
How to stay safe
What you can do:
There are several Neighborhood Services Programs & Events for Project 365:
Pop-Up Events & Meet & Greets
- April 8: Neighborhood Pop-Up at Thicket Grove Place
- April 22: Neighborhood Pop-Up at Bark Bend Place
- April 29: Neighborhood Pop-Up at Hockenberry Place
Community Events
- April 2: Alden Bridge Village Center Spring Festival
- April 2, 14–16, 21–23: Dog Walker Watch Yappy Hours at Dog Parks
- April 11: Sterling Ridge VA Fishing Tournament at Pepperdale Park
- April 23, 25, 29 & 30: Coffee with a Cop (various locations)
Senior Events & Programs
- April 13: Senior Safety Fair at Kevin Brady Library
- April 16: Ridgewood Senior Apartments
School Events
- April 16: Coulson Tough Elementary Bike Rodeo
- April 23: David Elementary Bike Rodeo
The Source: The Woodlands Township, The Woodlands Fire Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Montgomery County Hospital District.