10/16/2026
🚲🛴 E-BIKE & E-SCOOTER SAFETY REMINDER
The Houma Police Department reminds residents that Louisiana law establishes different rules for electric-assisted bicycles and electric scooters. Before purchasing or riding one, know how it is classified and where it may legally operate.
🚲 ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLES
Louisiana’s definition requires fully operable pedals and an electric motor rated at less than 750 watts, along with other design requirements. The three classes are:
• Class 1: Pedal assistance that stops at 20 mph.
• Class 2: May operate using the motor alone, with motor assistance stopping at 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal assistance that stops at 28 mph.
These speeds describe when motor assistance stops; riders must still obey applicable speed limits and traffic laws.
Class 3 operators must be at least 12 years old. Every Class 3 operator and passenger must wear an approved bicycle helmet, regardless of age, and the bicycle must have a speedometer.
For other e-bike classes, Louisiana’s bicycle helmet requirements apply to children under 12 riding on public roadways, bicycle paths, and other public rights-of-way. HPD encourages everyone to wear a properly fitted helmet.
E-bike riders must follow applicable bicycle traffic laws. Required lights and reflectors must be used at night and during other legally required lighting conditions.
🛴 ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
Louisiana’s electric low-speed scooter law specifically covers qualifying rental or commercial scooters weighing less than 100 pounds and capable of no more than 20 mph under motor power on a paved, level surface.
For scooters covered by this law:
• Operators under 17 must wear an approved helmet.
• Riders must obey applicable traffic laws when operating on a roadway.
• Working brakes and required lighting or reflective equipment are mandatory.
• Riders cannot carry more people than the scooter is designed to accommodate.
• Riders cannot hold onto a moving vehicle or carry items that prevent keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
⚠️ KNOW BEFORE YOU RIDE
Permission to ride on a street, sidewalk, path, or trail depends on the device’s classification and applicable restrictions. State and local authorities may restrict where these devices operate.
Privately owned scooters and higher-powered electric bikes may fall under different legal requirements. A product advertised as an “e-bike” or “e-scooter” does not automatically qualify for the rules listed above.
Parents, check your child’s equipment, understand its capabilities, and review the rules before allowing them to ride. We encourage all riders to slow down around pedestrians, avoid distractions, and watch carefully at intersections and driveways.
Help us keep Houma’s streets safe for everyone.
Det. Dave Hitzman
Public Information Officer
Criminal Investigations Division
985-873-6371
