With no current regulations in place, Houston’s rising electric scooter usage has prompted city officials to weigh new rules following a spike in nighttime crime and injuries.
The Houston City Council’s Quality of Life Committee—tasked with oversight of housing contracts, homelessness, public parks, and overall public health—met Thursday to address growing concerns about electric scooters in the city.
The committee is chaired by Councilmember Julian Ramirez (At-Large Position 1), with Councilmember Amy Peck (District A) serving as vice-chair. Additional members include Councilmembers Carolyn Evans-Shabazz (District D), Mary Nan Huffman (District G), and Willie Davis (At-Large Position 2).
The standing-room-only meeting primarily focused on potentially banning or regulating electric scooters, prompted by what officials described as a near-total lack of oversight. Unlike other major cities—such as Atlanta, which has implemented geo-fencing, speed caps, curfews, and rental restrictions—Houston currently has no ordinance governing electric scooter operations.
Officials from the Houston Police Department reported a surge in late-night scooter-related activity, especially among juveniles. Popular areas like Discovery Green and Eleanor Tinsley Park have become hotspots. Notably, Eleanor Tinsley Park witnessed two shootings within the past week, including one early yesterday morning around 1:30 a.m.
Anne Olson, president of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence. She noted that in her 30 years with the organization, she’d never seen anything like this.
She linked the trend to unauthorized after-hours gatherings and unpermitted scooter rentals. “We’ve seen an uptick in incidents since that started happening. Just a week ago, one was arrested for trespassing after failing to produce a permit.”
Although no formal vote was taken during the meeting, committee members expressed clear intent to develop a regulatory ordinance that addresses safety concerns while allowing scooter companies to continue operating.
Initially, a full ban was considered. However, representatives from several scooter vendors who had invested in Houston due to its lack of regulation voiced a preference for new rules rather than a ban.
One company representative stated, “It’s not the scooters that are the problem: it’s the lack of enforcement and infrastructure … We need regulations in place like speed governors, geo-fencing. Make it smarter, not stricter.”
The committee is expected to continue evaluating the potential ordinance, weighing concerns such as increased youth involvement in crime, public injuries, and damage to city parks and sidewalks. The goal is to craft a balanced policy that protects public safety while preserving scooters as an affordable transit and recreation option for Houston residents.
