For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall
apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different
meaning:
Helmet.
Properly fitted protective headgear that is not structurally
damaged and that conforms to the standards of the American National
Standards Institute, the American Society for Testing and Materials,
the Snell Memorial Foundation or any federal agency having regulatory
jurisdiction over bicycle helmets, as applicable, at the time of the
manufacture of the helmet.
Motor-assisted scooter.
Shall have the same meaning assigned by Texas Transportation
Code section 551.301(2), as it exists or may be amended, and shall
mean a self-propelled device with at least two (2) wheels in contact
with the ground during operation; a braking system capable of stopping
the device under typical operating conditions; a gas or electric motor
forty (40) cubic centimeters or less; a deck designed to allow a person
to stand or sit while operating the device; and the ability to be
propelled by human power alone.
Wearing a helmet.
The person has a helmet fastened securely to his or her head
with the straps of the helmet securely tightened in the manner intended
by the manufacturer to provide maximum protection.
(1990 Code, sec. 10.2300(a))
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twelve (12)
years to operate or ride a motor-assisted scooter on any street or
highway within the city.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride a motor-assisted
scooter on any street or highway within the city for which the posted
speed limit is more than thirty (30) miles per hour. The motor-assisted
scooter may cross a street or highway at an intersection where the
road or street to be crossed has a posted speed of more than thirty
(30) miles per hour.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride a motor-assisted
scooter on the streets, portions of streets, or highways designated
by ordinance, regardless of their posted speed limits, within the
city. Such ordinances are not included in this section, but they are
specifically saved from repeal and are on file in the city secretary’s
office.
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride a motor-assisted
scooter on the public sidewalks designated by ordinance within the
city. Such ordinances are not included in this section, but they are
specifically saved from repeal and are on file in the city secretary’s
office.
(e) It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of sixteen (16)
years to operate or ride a motor-assisted scooter within the city
unless the person is wearing a helmet.
(f) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride a motor-assisted
scooter on any street or highway within the city from dusk until dawn.
(g) It shall be unlawful for more than one (1) person to operate or ride
a motor-assisted scooter on any street or highway within the city
at the same time.
(h) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride a motor-assisted
scooter in Wright Park; Paul Mathew’s Exchange Building parking
lot/garage; Farmer’s Market parking lot; and/or on any baseball,
softball, or soccer field located at any city park.
(1990 Code, sec. 10.2300(b); Ordinance
adopting Code)
The operator or rider of a motor-assisted scooter shall obey
state and local traffic laws applicable to bicycles.
(1990 Code, sec. 10.2300(c))
Neither allegation nor evidence of a culpable mental state is
required for the proof of an offense defined by this article.
(1990 Code, sec. 10.2300(d))