In Texas, motor-assisted scooters are not allowed on highways or streets with posted speed limits over 35 mph. However, a recent incident in Amarillo has raised questions about scooter riders’ behavior on highways designed for faster-moving vehicles, like Interstate 40.
Is It Legal for Scooters on Highways?
On this westbound section of Interstate 40, the posted speed limit is 60 mph, and the minimum speed is 45 mph—far above the legal limit for e-scooters in Texas. However, a man on an e-scooter was seen cruising along at 65 mph in the middle lane, matching the flow of traffic with seemingly no concern for his safety or the law.
Under Texas law, e-scooters are restricted to roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, so riding on highways like Interstate 40 is prohibited, regardless of how fast the scooter can go.
Helmet Requirements for E-Scooter Riders
While Texas law doesn’t mandate helmets for e-scooter riders, local cities can set their own rules. For instance, some cities require helmets for anyone under 18 riding bikes or scooters, but there is no statewide law for adults.
Interestingly, while motorcycle riders must wear helmets unless they meet specific exemptions (like passing a motorcycle safety course or having adequate health insurance), there’s no such protection for e-scooter users, who often travel at similarly dangerous speeds on roads designed for cars.
High-Speed E-Scooters: A Growing Trend?
E-scooters are becoming faster, with some models boasting top speeds of up to 50 mph—and, thanks to downhill momentum or upgraded batteries, speeds can exceed this. These high-speed scooters may pose a risk, especially when riders decide to take them on roads or highways where faster-moving vehicles share the lanes.
While it’s unclear if the man in Amarillo had a modified scooter or was just relying on gravity, this incident highlights the increasing issue of unsafe scooter riding on roads not designed for them.
What to Do if You See an E-Scooter on the Highway
If you happen to be driving through Amarillo and see a scooter rider speeding down Interstate 40, you might be curious to ask them why they’re taking such risks. But, good luck catching up with them, considering they may be going faster than you!
