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Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
We’re excited to celebrate Unagi’s 5th Anniversary, and we want you to join the fun! To thank you for your support, we're hosting an exclusive $10,000 Airbnb giveaway. No purchase necessary—just enter for your chance to win! Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/4/2024!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
While e-scooters have been gaining popularity due to their convenience and relatively low cost, they have been getting more attention lately for another reason: battery fires. It's important to understand the potential dangers associated with the battery technology that lies at their core.
In South Carolina, electric scooters exist in a sort of legal gray area. There's no statewide legislation that specifically addresses them.
Understand which personal electric vehicle is best, the choice between an electric bike or electric scooter might already be made for you by some critical factors, including portability and storage capacity.
This is Texas - home to NASA, cowboys, and some of the best barbecue in the country. From the diverse neighborhoods to the vibrant cityscapes, life is bursting from every corner of the Lone Star State. And when it comes to Space City - Houston - you have more than your fair share of places to visit and experience.
Whether you're a resident or visiting Houston, you'll want to hop on an electric scooter and spend time exploring the city's major landmarks and discovering hidden gems. You can check out street art in Graffiti Park, experience the lush landscapes offered by Hermann Park, and, if you can follow the rules, Downtown Houston gives you access to some iconic landmarks such as Discovery Green and Market Square Park.
However, understanding the rules that govern electric scooter use in Texas, and even more specifically, Houston, is central to a safe, enjoyable, and fine-free riding experience. This article breaks down Houston's ordinances regarding electric scooter use in the city, highlighting age restrictions, divergences from the State law, best practices, and relevant traffic laws. As a bonus, we'll also suggest some picturesque routes perfect for exploring on your electric scooter.
Yes. You can legally ride electric scooters in public in the city of Houston. However, some rules must be observed to legally and safely ride your e-scooter.
“…to maintain order in the city and minimize chances of injury.”
We’ll get into that shortly.
Houston is the 3rd largest city in the US, with the 4th highest population behind New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. According to the April 2020 census, an estimated 2.303 million people were living in Houston. Additionally, Houston is ranked as the 6th most visited metro in the US by overseas tourists, and top amongst other cities in Texas.
Going by the numbers, the demand for efficient transport has been mission-critical for the Bayou City residents. And as a result, this need led to a seemingly overnight adoption of electric scooters. The rapid embracement of scooters, however, left the city’s legislative infrastructure unable to keep up.
Without proper bylaws, shared scooter companies set up shop on every street corner, riders were constantly colliding with pedestrians on sidewalks, and many residents reported minor injuries for toddlers and pets from carelessly parked (abandoned) scooters.
In March 2021, Houston City Council responded by enforcing the following regulations:
Texas does not have definitive laws for electric scooters; instead, they fall under the umbrella class of ‘motor-assisted scooters’ with other vehicles like mopeds. The vehicles in this category, according to Texas Transportation Code § 551.351, have the following common features:
Houston largely follows the stipulations by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. However, there are localized mandates that differ from the statewide law, as we’ll see below:
We’ll explore electric scooter guidelines as stipulated by Texas law and Houston jurisdiction:
Texas does not have a statewide age recommendation for electric scooter riders. However, you have to be 18 and over to be able to ride your scooter on public roads in Houston.
Electric scooters are allowed on most public rights-of-way, except where specifically prohibited. This means you can legally ride your electric scooter in the following areas:
However, there are certain areas where electric scooters are prohibited, including:
Riding electric scooters on sidewalks is generally permitted, except within business districts (e.g., Downtown, the Woodlands, Westchase, and Uptown), where it is prohibited for public safety reasons. Additionally, traffic engineers have the authority to restrict the use of electric scooters on sidewalks outside the business districts. Riders should be vigilant for any signs indicating such restrictions.
In areas where electric scooters are allowed on sidewalks, it is important to note that Houston law requires riders to yield the right of way to pedestrians and to provide an audible warning before overtaking them.
You do not need a valid ID or driver’s license to operate an electric scooter in Houston.
While motor-assisted scooters are considered motor vehicles under Texas law, not all rules that apply to driving apply to scooting. Notably, Scooters are not subject to insurance and registration laws.
We’ve already highlighted that scooters are regarded as motor vehicles. Now, we’ll explore some of the traffic laws that riders need to observe when riding their scooters in Houston.
Outside of the traffic laws, there are vigilance rules that riders should adhere to. Failure to follow these rules won't get you in trouble with the law; however, they are essential in minimizing the risk of accidents. Below are a few.
Ensure that your scooter is parked in designated areas or places where it won't obstruct pedestrian traffic. In addition to this, rental companies in Houston are not permitted to operate on sidewalks. They are, instead, required to set up storefronts on private property to reduce the risk of injuries previously posed by carelessly parked scooters on sidewalks.
In Houston, there are three main ways to get access to scooters:
There are hundreds of models to choose from, and owning a scooter provides a straightforward solution to your commuting challenges. The biggest hurdle for the majority of people, however, is the upfront cost involved with purchasing your scooter–most good models have a price tag north of $1000.
If you’re set on purchasing a scooter, we have a compilation of the best electric scooters in 2024, based on different rider preferences. However, if you’re not willing to commit to that kind of bank on a scooter, consider either rental services or getting a scooter subscription.
Scooter rentals have gained significant popularity in Houston, and although rental companies are prohibited from setting up their operations on sidewalks, many have adapted by establishing their presence on private properties. As a result, if you're interested in renting a scooter, you'll typically need to visit a specific storefront or rental hub.
A quick search should narrow down your options, with these as some of the most popular ones in Houston:
Renting an electric scooter in Houston will cost you roughly between $20-$30. Here are specific prices by Houston’s top rental shops.
You can rent electric kick scooters from ERYD, for $20/hr.
With H-Town Scooters, the rates are structured a little differently.
If you’re renting the scooter before midnight, you’ll pay
For a scooter rented past midnight, here are the charges
Rent EBoards has all types of electric rideables including electric bikes, e-scooters, OneWheels, and mopeds. They carry the Segway Ninebot Max for riders looking to specifically rent an electric scooter.
The charges for renting the Ninebot Max are as follows:
Therefore, renting an e-scooter, while convenient, is not very affordable, especially if you're not keen on rushing from point A to point B.
Unagi was the first scooter membership plan and remains the best by far. A scooter membership or subscription plan is a hybrid of traditional ownership and renting. The subscription model is structured around owning your scooter for the duration of the subscription, with the option to renew monthly.
Unagi's membership plan is the most economical way to own a scooter. There are two plans: the $59 monthly plan that gets you access to the Unagi Model One Classic and the $79 monthly plan that gets you the lightweight electric scooter - Unagi Voyager.
The Unagi scooters are state-of-the-art, dual-motor electric scooters. They are famous for their commuter-centric design: ultra-lightweight, built from the highest quality materials, a comfortable ride experience, and powerful motors that will rip through hilly terrain. Additionally, the Unagi Voyager is equipped to travel longer distances before needing to recharge.
Therefore, whether you're a resident, or briefly touring the City of Houston, Unagi's membership plan offers the most affordable and convenient way to move around. And now, we'll look at some of the sites worth touring.
There's a reason why thousands of tourists, local and international, flock to Houston year after year. The city is a rich blend of culture, history, and entertainment, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Houston is home to world-class museums, multiple historical landmarks, diverse cuisine, street art and murals, green spaces, modern architecture, sports, and some of the finest breweries.
If you're looking to make the most of your stay in Houston - or live in the city and are stuck on what to do over your weekends, then we have the perfect itinerary for you. All you need to do is get your hands on a scooter, go through our recommended top spots, pick out your favorite, enter GPS coordinates, and get ready for an awesome adventure.
Probably first on everyone's to-do list in Houston, the Space Center is a Smithsonian affiliate and the official visitors' center for the Johnson Space Center. Due to its popularity, there are many electric scooter rental companies in the area aimed at offering convenience to people touring the facilities and other sites nearby.
At the Space Center, visitors get to see three spacecrafts that have formerly flown into space and the world's only space shuttle replica. Additionally, you can view crew photos of human space flight missions, enter a shuttle replica to get the astronaut experience, see moon rocks, feel one of the world's 8 lunar touchstones, and learn the progress NASA is making toward returning man to the moon and interplanetary travel.
It's practically impossible to fully explore Houston's rich museum culture in a day or two. There are so many options to choose from, including Houston's Children's Museum, the Natural Museum of Funeral History, the Holocaust Museum, and the famous Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, where visitors get a chance to see ancient dinosaur bones.
It's worth noting that Houston's Museum of Natural Sciences is one of the most visited museums in the world. While here, ensure to check out the Burke Baker Planetarium and experience the world's leading astronomical program. The immersive digital dome theater allows you to fly through the universe and experience different planets, asteroids, and the latest discoveries in outer space.
The Museum of Fine Arts is another top destination in Houston, showcasing over 6,000 years of history through various exhibitions from all over the world. There are over 70,000 pieces on display, but the most captivating facility at the MFAH is perhaps the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden. Here, you can experience more than 25 art pieces collected over the last three centuries.
They say the best way to experience a place is through its food, and they're right. From mouth-watering Southern-style barbecues to spicy Mexican dishes to the best Chinese to authentic Italian delicacies--there's a reason why Houston's food scene has earned an A-Grade reputation. The best part is, Houstonians take their food very seriously, so, even without prior research, you can hop on your scooter and discover hidden gems on the go.
However, if you're a sucker for planning, here are a few suggestions that should help you get a small taste of everything. Grab a cold drink at Retrospect Coffee Bar in Midtown, which was renovated from the 1921 building that housed Houston's first neighborhood gas station. Then visit the original Ninfa's on Navigation for the best Tex-Mex or pass by the Tierra Caliente food truck on Alabama Street for homemade Mexican delights. Then, as you wind down, opt for some fine dining at Eddie V's Prime Seafood on Kirby Drive or Étoile's on Uptown Park Boulevard.
Finding secure parking for your scooter might be a bit of a challenge if you're riding to the stadium on game day or a weekend. However, on regular weekdays, it's easier to navigate as there are significantly fewer people. The rail-travel-themed stadium is home to the Astros baseball team. The arena is built next to the historic Union Station, which serves as the main entrance. If you happen to watch a game where the Astros hit a home run, you'll see the celebratory 40-second run by a 56-foot-long replica of an 1862 steam locomotive that sits 90 feet above the playing field.
Murals and street art represent Houston's rich culture and diversity, and hunting for murals is a big part of that culture. If you have the time, you can make a fun game out of it with a friend or travel companions. Pick out several famous murals, hop on your scooters, take different routes, and snap a photo of yourself by each mural to see who can complete the scavenger hunt the fastest.
Here are some of Houston's most famous murals:
Houston boasts a few noteworthy religious shrines. You can ride your scooter to one of these sacred sites for meditation, for the experience, or to take some photos of the picturesque grounds and architecture. The most outstanding ones are the Rothko Chapel, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, and the Teen How Taoist Temple on Delano Street.
For nature lovers, you have a large dose of greenery in the city's parks. You can have a cup of tea with the Alice in Wonderland crew at Evelyn's Park Conservancy( the use of electric scooters within the park is not allowed). Or discover the hidden gem that is Helen's Park on Stella Link Road (electric scooters are not allowed though within the premises). Art lovers can enjoy the mosaic exhibits at Smither Park on Munger Street or visit Sawyer Yards, where local artists have a space to express themselves. Alternatively, you can visit Sam Houston Park, which is home to the Heritage Society and sits against the most scenic backdrop of downtown Houston's skyscrapers and freeways.
Every city has a couple of must-see places and must-do activities. It's easy to check out which ones are worth your time if you can quickly maneuver through traffic. These are Houston's must-visit sites, which every local and visitor should experience to truly appreciate the city's culture and history:
Navigating the colorful streets of Houston on electric scooters offers both residents and visitors an exciting and efficient way to explore this dynamic city. However, with this newfound freedom comes the responsibility to adhere to the laws and regulations governing scooter usage.
Houston's ordinance, implemented in response to the rapid adoption of electric scooters, aims to strike a balance between promoting accessibility and ensuring public safety. By prohibiting sidewalk riding, enforcing designated riding areas, and emphasizing adherence to traffic laws, the city seeks to create a harmonious environment where scooters can seamlessly integrate into the urban landscape.
As riders seek out firsthand views of Houston's most noteworthy architecture, city districts, historical landmarks, green spaces, and iconic landmarks, it is crucial to prioritize safety, respect pedestrians, and embrace the spirit of exploration responsibly.
In the U.S., most states don't require a license. For those that do, they usually just ask for a regular driver's license or a learner's permit.
Yes, you can bring an electric scooter on a plane, but it needs to have a lithium battery smaller than 100 watt-hours, which most don't.
Manufacturers advise against riding electric scooters in the rain. The main reasons are: water can fry the electronics, make the ride dangerous, and void your warranty.
“Is my scooter legal?” is a question many are increasingly asking. The micromobility industry is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting in the world—with promises for...in addition to abundances of the basics of time and money savings. And with this pace of innovation comes a struggle for regulation to keep up.
So, you're thinking about joining the electric scooter revolution, huh? You've seen those sleek and stylish scooters zipping around town, effortlessly gliding through traffic, and you can't help but wonder: Are electric scooters easy to ride?
In this guide, we'll break down what defines a lightweight electric scooter, why you should choose one, and the top features you should look for.
Want to get the most out of your electric scooter battery and extend your riding adventures? We've got you covered with our comprehensive guide full of maintenance tips and best practices.
*Disclaimer: Unagi, INC. has used best efforts, but does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the below findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States or internationally. Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin…
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