On today’s date (01-30-19), in the interest of public safety and following the law as set out in Chapter 126.33 of the Municipal Code for the City of New Braunfels, Assistant Chief of Police Joe Vargas signed a temporary order prohibiting the commercial use of electric motorized scooters on public streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way inside the incorporated city limits.
The temporary order was made in the immediate interest of public safety so that the use of commercialized motorized scooters can be addressed through the proper channels of city government. The temporary prohibition will be in place for 90 days, which gives the city’s Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board time to look at the issue, make a recommendation to City Council, and then time for City Council to study the issue and determine what, if any, action they want to take on the topic.
Under the temporary order, officers with the New Braunfels Police Department will be able to cite those using motorized scooters if they were acquired through a commercial business (shared mobility service) and if they are being used on public streets or sidewalks. Each citation is the equivalent of a Class C Misdemeanor with a fine not to exceed $500.
The 90-day order is in effect immediately.