NEW BRAUNFELS (KXAN) — On Thursday, the city of New Braunfels announced a temporary ban on shared services using motor-assisted scooters and electric bicycles.
The new ordinance cites the interest of public safety of motorists and pedestrians as the reason for the ban, which also includes any bicycle equipped with GPS.
The ordinance does allow pocket bikes or mini-motorbikes, which include bikes with:
- At least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation
- A braking system capable of stopping the device under ordinary operation
- A gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters
- A deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit
- The ability to be propelled by human power alone
Electric bicycles are defined by the ordinace as:
- A bicycle designed to be propelled by an electric motor exclusively or in combination with human power
- Cannot achieve over 20 mph without the application of human power
- Does not exceed a weight of 100 pounds
The city reiterated that the operation of any personal transportation device used through a shared mobility service was not allowed within the city limits. Penalities will include a fine of up to $500.
The ban will continue for 90 days or until the council moves to allow the scooters and bikes back into the city.
