As scooters, skateboards, and electric bikes become a daily sight across Fulshear neighborhoods, city leaders say safety has to keep pace with growth. Following an increase in accidents and close calls involving children and “small wheels” devices, the City of Fulshear has enacted Safety Ordinance No. 2025-1511, establishing clearer rules for where and how these devices can be used.

For families in Fulshear, especially those in master-planned communities where sidewalks connect parks, schools, and homes, the ordinance is about more than compliance. It’s about preventing injuries, protecting children, and keeping shared public spaces safe.

The Fulshear Police Department recently issued a public service reminder breaking down the ordinance in straightforward terms, encouraging parents and riders to understand the new guidelines before an avoidable accident — or a fine — occurs.

Where Can Kids Ride Scooters and Skateboards in Fulshear?

Under City of Fulshear Ordinance No. 2025-1511, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, and similar non-motorized “small wheels” devices are required to stay on the sidewalk — not in the street.

They may only enter the roadway in two specific situations:

• When crossing at a designated crosswalk
• When no sidewalk is available

If there is no sidewalk and a rider must use the road, they are required to follow Texas state traffic laws just as a bicycle or vehicle would.

For many parents, this clarification answers a common neighborhood question: Are kids allowed to ride scooters in the street in Fulshear? The short answer is no — unless there is no sidewalk available.

Crossing the Street: Stop First, Then Cross Safely

The ordinance also outlines clear rules for crossing roadways.

Before crossing any street, riders must:

• Come to a complete stop
• Ensure it is clearly safe to cross

When crossing, riders are treated as pedestrians under the law, meaning they carry both the rights and responsibilities of a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

In busy areas near Fulshear schools, parks, and neighborhood entrances, these simple steps can make the difference between a safe crossing and a dangerous situation.

Parents Are Responsible for Children Under 15

One of the most important components of the new Fulshear scooter ordinance directly involves parents.

If a child is under 15 years old, the parent or guardian is legally responsible for ensuring the child follows the rules. If a parent knowingly allows a child to violate the ordinance, penalties may apply.

That provision is designed to reinforce shared responsibility within the community — especially as more children use scooters and electric devices to travel between friends’ homes, playgrounds, and neighborhood amenities.

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Rules for Motorized Scooters, Electric Bicycles, and Mobility Devices

The ordinance also applies to motor-assisted scooters, electric mobility devices, bicycles, and electric bicycles.

For these devices:

• Riders may only operate them on roadways as allowed by Texas state law.

If riding on a sidewalk and preparing to cross a road, riders must:

• Stop completely before crossing
• Cross only when safe
• Follow pedestrian rules while crossing

Parents of children under 15 may not permit them to violate these rules on any sidewalk, roadway, street, or highway within Fulshear city limits.

As electric bikes and motor-assisted scooters grow in popularity in Fort Bend County and across Texas, local clarity helps prevent confusion — and prevent injuries.

Fines and Penalties in Fulshear

Violations of Ordinance No. 2025-1511 can result in fines of up to $500.

Each day a violation occurs, or each separate incident, may be treated as a separate offense.

While enforcement is part of the ordinance, city officials emphasize that the primary goal is prevention — not punishment.

Why This Matters for Fulshear Families

According to the Fulshear Police Department, the ordinance follows a noticeable rise in scooter-related accidents and close calls on sidewalks and streets throughout the city.

As Fulshear continues to grow, sidewalks and shared-use paths are busier than ever. Children riding between neighborhood amenities, families walking dogs, and residents jogging all share the same public spaces.

The city’s message is simple: a few seconds of caution can prevent a serious injury.

Though not required by ordinance, police strongly encourage:

• Wearing helmets, even for short rides
• Considering helmets with face protection to reduce dental and facial injuries
• Avoiding racing on crowded sidewalks
• Staying off phones while riding
• Using wrist, elbow, and knee pads

Local dental professionals have reported an uptick in chipped and broken teeth from scooter falls — injuries that are painful for children and costly for families. Protective gear can turn what could be an emergency room visit into a minor scrape.

What Happens Next?

City officials are encouraging parents to take a few minutes this week to review the Fulshear scooter and sidewalk safety rules with their children.

In a community where sidewalks connect neighbors and outdoor play is part of everyday life, shared awareness helps protect everyone.

As Fulshear grows, so does the importance of understanding local ordinances that affect families, safety, and daily life. Residents with questions about City of Fulshear Ordinance No. 2025-1511 can contact the Fulshear Police Department for additional clarification.

For ongoing updates about local ordinances, public safety information, and community developments in Fulshear and Fort Bend County, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.