Prosper officials are taking a closer look at the town’s growing use of electric bicycles and motorcycles as safety concerns rise, particularly among younger riders. Reports of speeding, illegal operations and even property damage have prompted the town council to consider new regulations aimed at keeping both riders and the public safe.
Rising Safety Concerns
At the town council meeting on Oct. 14, members reviewed a presentation detailing ongoing safety issues tied to juvenile riders. Officials noted that many young operators are using e-bikes and e-motorcycles in areas not intended for motorized devices, including public roads, sidewalks, parking lots and town parks.
“20% of the vehicles out there are motorcycles, but they’re creating 80% of the problem,” Prosper Police Chief Doug Kowalski said during a presentation to councilmembers. “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.”
Education And Enforcement Efforts
The Prosper Police Department began an initiative combining public education and enforcement to address unsafe and illegal operation of e-bikes and e-motorcycles. As of Oct. 6, PPD had responded to 27 calls related to these devices, including 13 in the Windsong neighborhood alone and 14 elsewhere in town, such as Lakewood Subdivision and Star Trail.
Enforcement actions so far have included:
- 3 e-motorcycles towed (two owners from Celina)
- 3 citations issued
- 7 contacts with legally operated e-bikes
- 11 cases where officers were unable to locate the riders
- 7 incidents where riders fled from police
Proposed Regulations
The town council is expected to vote on proposed ordinances at its Oct. 28 meeting, with officials hoping to have new rules in place before the holiday season. Key elements include:…