Flower Mound summary of micromobility ordinance: helmets for under‑14, nighttime lighting and education emphasized

At the June 10 meeting of the Town of Flower Mound Transportation Commission, town staff summarized a micromobility ordinance that Flower Mound Town Council approved on May 5, 2025.

The ordinance sets a concise set of safety rules for micromobility devices and bicycles, staff said, placing a particular emphasis on children. Chief Strategic Officer JP Walton told commissioners the ordinance was intentionally brief and drew on a template from Highland Village but was shortened by Council direction: "that ordinance really shortened until just, just a few lines and what, we were directed, I know what we heard from council was to keep this very simple," Walton said.

Town staff and the commission said the ordinance and related outreach grew from public input gathered in a December 1, 2024–January 3, 2025 survey that drew 832 responses. Walton said survey respondents strongly favored helmet rules for children: "Should helmets be required for children? 84% of the people that filled the survey out said yes." Based on that input and council direction, the ordinance makes the following core requirements and clarifications:

- Helmets: Anyone under the age of 14 is required to wear a helmet when operating a micromobility device or a bicycle. The ordinance uses "under 14" rather than "14 and under." - Nighttime equipment: Operators (bicycles and micromobility devices) must use a front white lamp visible from 500 feet and a red reflector on the back when operating at night. - Handheld devices and listening devices: It is unlawful to use handheld electronic devices (cell phones, tablets) or listening devices (headphones/earphones) that prevent the rider from hearing approaching vehicles; police guidance focuses on whether the device "is impairing your ability to hear." Officers will consider one earbud that does not impair hearing as acceptable in some cases, Walton said. - Right of way and passing pedestrians: Operators must yield to pedestrians and provide an audible warning when passing. - Penalties and education: A first offense carries a $50 fine or, instead of paying, the operator may be offered the town's micromobility safety course; subsequent offenses may be fined up to $100. Walton said education — especially classes for children — is the priority for initial enforcement.

The ordinance defines micromobility devices as small, lightweight vehicles that are incapable of a top assisted speed greater than 28 miles per hour and lists examples (electric motor‑assisted scooters, electric skateboards, Segways, hoverboards). Gas‑powered devices are excluded from the definition. Walton clarified that electric bicycles are handled under the town’s bicycle provisions rather than the micromobility definition.

On where devices may be used, Walton said state law governs operation on roads; the town code does not allow motor vehicles on trails, but bicycles and scooters are allowed on trails designated for them. Questions about technical limits for certain electric‑assist bicycles (for example, a wattage threshold) were raised in the meeting; Walton said staff would follow up with police because the transcript did not include a definitive wattage figure.

Implementation and outreach: Walton described education and outreach steps already underway: a scooter and bicycle safety class on June 18 from 4–5 p.m., notices in utility bills and on social media, and planned school outreach coordinated with the police department and community service officers when classes resume in August. Walton told commissioners no tickets related to the ordinance had been issued as of the June 10 meeting.

Town staff told commissioners the commission should monitor the ordinance over the coming year and return recommendations if community experience suggests changes are needed.