Glad you didn't get tickets or maltreatment, but yeah, it's a good idea to have ID.
I've been pulled over a few times, and the cops weren't so chatty, but they weren't abusive. Once I got a warning and was directed to ride on the shoulder "like a bicycle", a little curtly. Another time a Sheriff asked me "what the **** are you doing?", but gave me back by bike and belongings after some questioning and a search. He did give a courtesy call to another county so they wouldn't pull me over there. I did see the officer in the next county, but he was polite and just asked my name, then drove away.
I think police either don't know much about these, or are suspicious of people building overpowered bikes and skirting rules. Since TX really is a "gray area" about mabs, you might have that in your favor if you are polite and just give them the information they want, and don't run any lights or do any erratic maneuvering. Remember that idiot cagers and homeowners might call police on you, and the cops have to answer it, even if they don't have a problem with you by themselves. Some might assume you are an unlicensed driver, related to alcohol charges, especially if you ride downtown or near bars.
I've been pulled over a few times, and the cops weren't so chatty, but they weren't abusive. Once I got a warning and was directed to ride on the shoulder "like a bicycle", a little curtly. Another time a Sheriff asked me "what the **** are you doing?", but gave me back by bike and belongings after some questioning and a search. He did give a courtesy call to another county so they wouldn't pull me over there. I did see the officer in the next county, but he was polite and just asked my name, then drove away.
I think police either don't know much about these, or are suspicious of people building overpowered bikes and skirting rules. Since TX really is a "gray area" about mabs, you might have that in your favor if you are polite and just give them the information they want, and don't run any lights or do any erratic maneuvering. Remember that idiot cagers and homeowners might call police on you, and the cops have to answer it, even if they don't have a problem with you by themselves. Some might assume you are an unlicensed driver, related to alcohol charges, especially if you ride downtown or near bars.