HOLY CRAP texas law

Oh, yes. Texas has VERY specific laws on motorize bikes (defined as a "motor assisted scooter." Those laws specifically list what a motorized bike is and my bike meets each and every criteria. That is why I was so upset for being stopped and told my bike was illegal. In my mind, to stop motorized bikes with no good reason is form of profiling--you look guilty, so therefore you must be guilty.

I continue to ride, but stay clear of the campus. Ironically, just today a colleague reported to me that she had a meeting at the main administration building on campus and there, big as life, was a motorized bike (not mine) chained to a bike rack outside the building. Maybe the tempest is past. I have a mind to ride on campus and see what happens!

I was told my bike didn't fit under the motor assisted scooter because it doesn't have a deck to stand on. A scooter is supposed to have a seat to sit on and a deck to stand on. That's what the cop up here told me anyway.....................

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I believe the officer who told you that was in error. While I do not make a practice of arguing with someone who packs a gun, at the same time, the Texas law, which I am looking at as I write this, clearly says "or". It says, "a deck design to allow a person to stand or sit while operation the device." It is my understanding from others (although I do not have this in writing from Austin), that the DPS has interpreted this to mean that if a motorized bike has a seat, it is has a deck.

The problem is that these motorized bikes, by not being licensed and registered, become fair game to anyone's opinion of the law. I have decided that I will ride mine until ticketed, and then contest the ticket, if goes that far. If I win the case I keep riding. If I lose, I guess I park the beast, or sell it in Austin, where they leave motorized bikers alone.

Here is the Texas DOT web site and law

Definition of a moped – A motor driven cycle whose speed attainable in one mile is not more than 30 miles per hour and that is equipped with a motor that produces not more than two-brake horsepower. If an internal combustion engine is used, the piston displacement may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters and the power drive system may not require the operator to shift gears.

Texas Department of Public Safety - Motorcycle Safety Unit