I'm posting this so that it's in the proper section. Granted Texas like many other states may not enforce their law for the most part. True many cops may not even know the law. However Texas does have a law one can legally build within. You can't call your bike a moped because Texas uses a manufacture's list they update every 90 days. What you can build is a motorized assisted scooter.
TRANSPORTATION CODE
TITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
SUBTITLE C. RULES OF THE ROAD
CHAPTER 551. OPERATION OF BICYCLES, MOPEDS, AND PLAY VEHICLES
SUBCHAPTER E. MOTOR-ASSISTED SCOOTERS
Sec. 551.351. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Motor-assisted scooter": (A) means a self-propelled device with: (i) at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation; (ii) a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions; (iii) a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters; (iv) a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device; and (v) the ability to be propelled by human power alone; and (B) does not include a pocket bike or a minimotorbike. (2) "Pocket bike or minimotorbike" means a self-propelled vehicle that is equipped with an electric motor or internal combustion engine having a piston displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters, is designed to propel itself with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground, has a seat or saddle for the use of the operator, is not designed for use on a highway, and is ineligible for a certificate of title under Chapter 501. The term does not include: (A) a moped or motorcycle; (B) an electric bicycle or motor-driven cycle, as defined by Section 541.201; (C) a motorized mobility device, as defined by Section 542.009; (D) an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined by Section 551.201; or (E) a neighborhood electric vehicle, as defined by Section 551.301.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1242, Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 91, Sec. 24.015, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 551.352. OPERATION ON ROADWAYS OR SIDEWALKS. (a) A motor-assisted scooter may be operated only on a street or highway for which the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. The motor-assisted scooter may cross a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour. (b) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of a motor-assisted scooter on a street, highway, or sidewalk if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
The department may prohibit the operation of a motor-assisted scooter on a highway if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. (d) A person may operate a motor-assisted scooter on a path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles or on a sidewalk. Except as otherwise provided by this section, a provision of this title applicable to the operation of a bicycle applies to the operation of a motor-assisted scooter. (e) A provision of this title applicable to a motor vehicle does not apply to a motor-assisted scooter.
If somebody knows of some other Texas statute then by all means post it. When it comes to legal issues I'd rather be shown the law with the statutes and not told the law. From a legal standpoint building outside of a state's statutes is viewed as operating an off road vehicle on the public roadways.
TRANSPORTATION CODE
TITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
SUBTITLE C. RULES OF THE ROAD
CHAPTER 551. OPERATION OF BICYCLES, MOPEDS, AND PLAY VEHICLES
SUBCHAPTER E. MOTOR-ASSISTED SCOOTERS
Sec. 551.351. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Motor-assisted scooter": (A) means a self-propelled device with: (i) at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation; (ii) a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions; (iii) a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters; (iv) a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device; and (v) the ability to be propelled by human power alone; and (B) does not include a pocket bike or a minimotorbike. (2) "Pocket bike or minimotorbike" means a self-propelled vehicle that is equipped with an electric motor or internal combustion engine having a piston displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters, is designed to propel itself with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground, has a seat or saddle for the use of the operator, is not designed for use on a highway, and is ineligible for a certificate of title under Chapter 501. The term does not include: (A) a moped or motorcycle; (B) an electric bicycle or motor-driven cycle, as defined by Section 541.201; (C) a motorized mobility device, as defined by Section 542.009; (D) an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined by Section 551.201; or (E) a neighborhood electric vehicle, as defined by Section 551.301.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1242, Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 91, Sec. 24.015, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 551.352. OPERATION ON ROADWAYS OR SIDEWALKS. (a) A motor-assisted scooter may be operated only on a street or highway for which the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. The motor-assisted scooter may cross a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour. (b) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of a motor-assisted scooter on a street, highway, or sidewalk if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
The department may prohibit the operation of a motor-assisted scooter on a highway if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. (d) A person may operate a motor-assisted scooter on a path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles or on a sidewalk. Except as otherwise provided by this section, a provision of this title applicable to the operation of a bicycle applies to the operation of a motor-assisted scooter. (e) A provision of this title applicable to a motor vehicle does not apply to a motor-assisted scooter.If somebody knows of some other Texas statute then by all means post it. When it comes to legal issues I'd rather be shown the law with the statutes and not told the law. From a legal standpoint building outside of a state's statutes is viewed as operating an off road vehicle on the public roadways.
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