San Antonio, TX Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

San Antonio's Article XIX splits micromobility into three legal classes under Sec. 19-660: an electric bicycle, capped at 20 mph under its own motor power and no more than 100 pounds; a motor-assisted scooter, with a gas or electric motor no bigger than 40 cubic centimeters, a stand-on deck, and working brakes; and a bicycle equipped with GPS, defined by having a positioning device that tracks its location. Sec. 19-661 sets different rules for each. Motor-assisted scooter riders must always yield to pedestrians, use a bike lane when one exists, and otherwise may only ride on streets posted 35 mph or under; sidewalks are off-limits entirely, as are trails, creek ways, plazas and parks, expressly including the Riverwalk, Alamo Plaza, La Villita, Main Plaza and Market Square, though public streets crossing through those areas remain open.

Scooter riders must be at least 16, cannot carry a passenger, and cannot use a portable wireless device while riding; helmets are encouraged but not required. Electric bicycles and GPS-equipped bicycles follow a similar but distinct set of rules: no sidewalk riding, mandatory use of bike lanes when available, a 16-year minimum age for e-bike operators, no wireless device use while riding, and the same non-mandatory helmet policy. Parking is regulated too: these vehicles may only be left on streets in areas the director designates, and on sidewalks only if they leave at least three feet of clear width and stay clear of bus-stop zones, loading zones, curb ramps, building entrances and docking stations for shared bicycles.

At night, every covered vehicle needs a front lamp visible 500 feet away and either a rear red reflector or a red lamp visible from the same distance, plus a working bell or horn.