Just so we're all aware: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes are legal in Texas. They are not the same thing as the unregistered electric motorcycles that some kids are riding around at 50–60 mph, pulling wheelies through traffic, ignoring traffic signs, and riding recklessly.
What I don't understand is why so many people on Nextdoor and local Facebook groups keep spreading false information by claiming that "e-bikes are illegal" or that they "should be illegal." In many cases, the incidents they're referring to involve what are essentially electric motorcycles, yet they blame all e-bikes instead.
It has gotten to the point where every post about reckless riders quickly turns into attacks on all e-bike users. A year ago, I might have seen one post a week. Now it feels like there are five or six posts every week—sometimes multiple posts in a single day—repeating the same misinformation.
I ride a legal Class 3 e-bike. I wear a helmet, stop at stop signs, use hand signals, obey traffic laws, and ride within the bike's legal capabilities. Despite that, I've had people honk at me, record me with their phones, yell at me, and assume I'm doing something illegal simply because my bike has a motor.
Honestly, it's becoming exhausting. I used to enjoy riding without a second thought, but now it feels like some people are actively looking for a reason to accuse e-bike riders of wrongdoing. No one should have to worry that a stranger who doesn't understand the law will falsely claim they were riding recklessly when they were simply commuting, exercising, or running errands.
If we're going to discuss the problem, let's at least be accurate about what the problem actually is. Legal Class 1–3 e-bikes are not the same thing as high-powered, unregistered electric motorcycles. Lumping them together helps nobody. It spreads misinformation, creates unnecessary hostility, and unfairly targets people who are riding legally and responsibly.
Hold reckless riders accountable. Enforce existing laws. But please stop treating every e-bike rider as if they're part of the problem