E-vehicles are experiencing rapid growth in Katy as both a commuting tool and as a recreational option.

However, their growing popularity – especially among students – have created traffic congestion and have led to accidents and near-accidents in the area, as untrained and unlicensed riders disregard traffic laws – speeding and often riding on sidewalks.

Two local law enforcement officials – Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Constable Chad Norvell and Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Terry Allbritton – are taking additional steps deal with the issues.

“The electric motorcycles have presented the biggest problems for us,” Norvell told the Katy Times. “They’re very fast and kids are riding them in congested school zones and on sidewalks.”

“Electric motorcycles or dirt bikes may only be ridden on your own private property,” Norvell said. “Sidewalks, trails, and roads are not legal.”

Generally, the junior high campuses have the most riders, Norvell said. “They shouldn’t be allowed on campus since it isn’t legal to ride them there,” he said.

But local law enforcement officers are having difficulty dealing with the offenders, who often try to elude police. “Kids have told deputies their parents have told them not to stop for law enforcement, and they know we’re not going to chase a kid,” Norvell said. “These riders can be charged with a felony if caught.”

So Norvell partnered with Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Terry Allbritton to send a letter to Katy ISD, requesting that the district ban unregistered electric motorcycles – including electric mini-bikes, pocket bikes and similar high-powered vehicles -- from all district property.

“These vehicles are increasingly being ridden to school by unlicensed operators, creating a significant safety hazard,” the letter said. “Unlike bicycles, e-bikes or scooters, these electric motorcycles can reach speeds comparable to traditional motorcycles, but lack the required registration, insurance and safety oversight. Students riding them frequently do so without helmets, without training and without the legal qualifications required for motor-vehicle operation.”

“The dangers are well-documented,” the letter continued. “Unlicensed operation dramatically increases crash risk. High-speed capability combined with congested school traffic zones creates conditions where a single mistake can lead to severe injury or death. Lack of registration makes it impossible to ensure minimum safety standards or accountability.”

The letter, signed by both officials and copied to Katy ISD Police Chief David Rider, was sent to Superintendent Ken Gregorski on May 21.

But Norvell has yet to receive a response from the district.

“I followed up with an email on June 21,” Norvell said. “As of today [July 10], I have not received any response at all. Given how much I’ve supported Katy ISD over the last 25 years, it’s very disappointing. I did reach out to Trustee Rebecca Fox last week. I still have not received any contact from anyone with the district.“

KISD’s police department has already called for additional safety measures for non-road vehicles. In an open letter to Katy ISD parents and staff, published in the March 3 edition of the Seven Lakes High School e-newsletter, KISD Chief of Police David Rider said that his department and other local law enforcement agencies “have observed an increase in the number of high-speed electric motorcycles being operated by children and teens on neighborhood streets and major roadways. This trend raises serious safety concerns for riders, pedestrians and motorists.” “In Texas, high-speed electric motorcycles are different from electric bicycles. E-motorcycles are classified as motor vehicles, not bicycles, and can reach speeds over 28 miles per hour,” Rider said in the newsletter. “They are not allowed on sidewalks, trails, or many busy roads in the greater Katy area, and riding in these areas can put students and neighbors at risk. E-motorcycles require a valid Class M driver’s license, registration, insurance and compliance with all motorcycle traffic laws. Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 1 has recently informed the district that its agency will begin actively enforcing these rules to help keep everyone safe.” “We encourage parents and guardians to talk with their children about the risks of riding these vehicles and to help ensure they are used safely and legally,” Rider said in the newsletter. “We also ask staff to stay alert and kindly report any unsafe activity they observe.”

Norvell is looking beyond Katy ISD for assistance in solving the problem.

“I partnered with Fulshear PD Chief Kenny Seymour and Constable Patrick Quincy with the same request to LCISD,” Norvell said. “Dr. Nivens texted me himself promptly, saying he was ‘on it’ and would look into it. Additionally, Constable Albritton stated he’d partner with Constable Mark Hermann and send the same request to Cy-Fair. Law enforcement is proactively looking for ways to make our roads safer by removing these illegal vehicles from our routes to school. It’s unfortunate KISD can’t even give those that support their district and schools daily the courtesy of a reply.”

If Katy ISD does not reply, Norvell says he is ready to take additional steps. “State Rep. Matt Morgan is eager to help with any legislation that may help curtail the riding of these vehicles on our roads,” Norvell said.