Coppell police outline electric‑bike rules, recommend aligning local code and helmet requirement

Coppell — Police Chief Danny Barton reviewed state and local rules for electric bicycles on March 11 and asked the council whether to amend the city code to align helmet requirements and explicitly cover e‑bikes.

"The legislature was really clear," Barton told council, summarizing recent state guidance that treats many electric bicycles the same as conventional bicycles for road use. Barton said local authority cannot prohibit e‑bikes where non‑electric bicycles are allowed on streets, and can prohibit e‑bikes only on natural‑surface trails or paths that are not open to motor vehicles. He also noted local authority may set speed limits on bicycle paths.

Barton described the three federal/state classes commonly applied to e‑bikes: class 1 (pedal‑assist to 20 mph), class 2 (throttle‑assist to 20 mph) and class 3 (pedal‑assist to 28 mph; age requirement often 15+). He warned of higher‑speed electric bicycles outside those classes that may approach 40–60 mph; those would be treated as electric mopeds or motorcycles and are not covered by bicycle rules.

Council members discussed helmet ages and enforcement. Coppell’s current code requires helmets for operators 14 and under. Several members suggested raising the helmet requirement to 16, noting 15‑year‑olds are often ninth‑grade students. Barton said enforcement typically involves stopping the rider and confirming age; if a juvenile is unaccompanied, officers will contact a parent and can cite the parent if the child is not corrected.

Education and school outreach

Barton said school resource officers have begun conversations with students and the department will expand education on safe operation and appropriate equipment. He recommended that the council direct staff to bring an ordinance amendment aligning the helmet requirement and other local code provisions with state law.

What council asked for and next steps

Council directed staff to draft an ordinance aligning city code with state law for e‑bikes and to consider adding e‑bikes to the city’s helmet requirement for minors (discussion included the possibility of changing the age threshold from 14 to 16). The police department will pursue education with school SROs and report back.

Speakers

- Danny Barton, Police Chief (presentation) - Multiple council members (questions and discussion), including Brianna Hinojosa Smith; Ramesh (Council Member); Jim (Council Member)

Clarifying details

- State law: e‑bikes generally follow bicycle laws; local authority cannot ban e‑bikes from streets or sidewalks where bicycles are permitted; can ban on unimproved natural‑surface trails. - E‑bike classes: class 1 and 2 capped at 20 mph; class 3 capped at 28 mph with age restrictions; higher‑speed units may be treated as mopeds/motorcycles. - Current city helmet ordinance: helmets required for operators 14 and under; council discussed raising to 16. - Enforcement practice: officers will verify age on stops; parents can be cited if they do not correct violations for juveniles.

Provenance

Topic introduced in the work session: s=4261.3247 (Chief presentation) and discussion continued through s=5454.12, when council confirmed staff will align the ordinance to state law.

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