Austin leaders approved a resolution to address the rise of powerful e‑motos—electric two‑wheelers often marketed as e‑bikes but capable of speeds up to 60 mph—that have become popular with teen riders. The council asked for new rules, an awareness campaign, and a police training review, plus a study on creating off‑road riding areas in city parks. Officials and the Travis County sheriff warned that reckless riding, including wheelies and ignoring officers, endangers public safety and is under investigation.
Austin Cracks Down on 60 mph E‑Motos After Teen Riders Perform Wheelies and Ignore Police
Screenshot of video by KXAN on YouTube
Austin city officials have moved to rein in powerful electric two‑wheelers—commonly called e‑motos—after repeated reports of teens riding in groups, weaving through traffic, performing wheelies and ignoring police directions on busy streets.
City Response
Last week the Austin City Council passed a resolution directing staff to develop new regulations, launch a public awareness campaign, and review police training to ensure officers can respond safely to incidents involving these vehicles. The resolution also requests a feasibility study on whether parts of city parkland could be designated as off‑road recreation areas for e‑moto owners, an option intended to provide a safer alternative to street riding.
Why Officials Are Concerned
Officials say many e‑motos are marketed as electric bicycles but function more like small motorcycles: they frequently have no pedals and can reach speeds up to 60 mph. That performance typically triggers registration, licensing and insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles. The practical distinction between pedal‑assisted e‑bikes (generally 20–28 mph) and high‑powered e‑motos is often subtle, complicating enforcement during incidents.
Screenshot of video by KXAN on YouTube
"The concern is that there are now these very powerful devices out on the streets that are sold and marketed like they're an electric bicycle, but in reality they are a small motorcycle," Council Member Paige Ellis, sponsor of the resolution, said. She noted that many models lack pedals and can exceed speeds that normally require registration and a driver's license.
Local leaders describe recurring scenes of groups of young riders weaving through downtown corridors, riding the wrong way on streets, and performing stunts that endanger themselves, motorists and pedestrians. Those behaviors have alarmed residents and prompted joint attention from the city and law enforcement.
"I shudder at the thought of what could happen to a child on an e‑bike on a roadway designed for passenger and commercial vehicle traffic," Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez wrote in a letter urging parents to keep children off public roadways. Hernandez said deputies reported groups of teens ignoring lights, sirens and verbal commands and escalating to wheelies and other reckless maneuvers.
Investigators are working to identify riders involved in recent incidents and said warrants could be issued. The Austin Statesman reported details of the council resolution and the sheriff's letter.
Next Steps
City staff will review possible regulatory changes, prepare outreach materials to inform owners and parents about legal and safety requirements, and examine whether designated off‑road areas could reduce dangerous street riding. Officials emphasized that clearer product labeling and enforcement guidance will be central to any effective response.
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