Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman is calling on six local school districts to implement policies prohibiting unregistered electric motorcycles on their campuses as students prepare to return to school. Herman’s initiative is aimed at addressing safety concerns associated with these vehicles.
In his correspondence, Herman has reached out to Klein ISD, Tomball ISD, Spring ISD, Aldine ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, and Humble ISD, urging them to adopt rules that would prevent the operation and parking of unregistered electric motorcycles on school property. His focus is specifically on high-powered electric minibikes, pocket bikes, dirt bikes, and similar motorized vehicles, which are not classified as the legal Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes.
Herman notes that many of these vehicles fall under the classification of motorcycles or mopeds according to Texas law, necessitating registration, insurance, and a licensed operator for operation on public roadways. He has reported instances where deputies have intervened with juveniles riding these unregistered vehicles on streets and sidewalks, as well as responding to accidents involving children. The increasing popularity of these vehicles raises concerns about potential serious injuries.
Many of these motorcycles can achieve speeds akin to those of traditional motorcycles while lacking essential safety features such as registration, insurance, and appropriate lighting. Herman has expressed concern that numerous riders operate them without helmets, formal training, or the necessary legal qualifications.
The constable is requesting that school districts inform students and their families about these policies prior to the start of the academic year. He also mentioned his office’s willingness to collaborate with school police departments to offer educational programs focused on bicycle, e-bike, and motorized vehicle safety.
To clarify the distinctions between legal e-bikes and the high-powered electric motorcycles that Herman is targeting, staff at Planetary Cycles explained that legal e-bikes are categorized into three classes: Class 1, which is pedal-assist only and ceases assistance at 20 mph; Class 2, which includes a throttle and also stops assistance at 20 mph; and Class 3, which is pedal-assist only and stops at 28 mph. Parents are encouraged to thoroughly research the electric two-wheeled vehicles they purchase, ensuring that children wear helmets, comprehend traffic laws, and ride age-appropriate bikes.
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has acknowledged its commitment to addressing the concerns regarding high-powered electric motorcycles. In a recent message to families, Superintendent Dr. Doug Killian highlighted the importance of maintaining a safe environment as students prepare to return for the 2026-27 school year. He noted that there has been a concerning rise in traffic incidents and injuries related to electric motorcycles, including minibikes and pocket bikes, which differ from traditional e-bikes that require pedals and are limited to a speed of 28 mph. Dr. Killian emphasized the legal implications of operating these vehicles without proper licensing and the associated risks.
Klein ISD has also reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff within the school environment.
Further outreach has been made to Spring ISD, Tomball ISD, Aldine ISD, and Humble ISD for their responses; updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
