Richardson, TX Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)

Section 22-11 adopts the state Transportation Code's definition of a motor-assisted scooter and builds a local permitting and operating scheme around it. A person may not operate one on any alley, street or highway in the city unless they are at least 12 years old and hold a scooter permit, in which case they can use streets posted at 35 mph or less. Riders younger than 12 cannot operate on any street or highway but may use public sidewalks. Anyone 12 or older who lacks a valid driver's license must obtain a motor-assisted scooter permit from the Richardson Police Department, which administers a safety course covering the traffic laws that apply to scooter operation, and the permit must be carried while riding and shown on demand to a magistrate, court officer or peace officer.

Operation is also barred on any path or trail not set aside exclusively for bicycles. Riders and neighborhood-electric-vehicle operators on public streets must wear a protective helmet meeting recognized safety standards. The ordinance makes no exception for scooters obtained through a rental or sharing app: it regulates the person operating the device, not who owns it, so a rider on a hired scooter is bound by the same permit, age, route and helmet rules as someone on a personally owned unit.