The Houston City Council is considering a ban on electric scooters in downtown, Midtown, and East Downtown Houston due to safety concerns.

Two-wheeled electric scooters have become increasingly popular in Houston. In the evenings, many young people gather at Discovery Green park in downtown to ride scooters and enjoy the city's streets.

But a growing number of Houstonians consider electric scooters a "menace," especially when operated by intoxicated or impaired individuals.

According to the Houston Police Department, many scooter riders in the city engage in criminal activity, disorderly conduct, reckless driving, ignoring traffic lights and signs, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 64 km/h.

Houston authorities issued hundreds of warnings to electric scooter riders and dozens to vendors and rental businesses in 2025. Police have made numerous arrests of scooter riders violating the law, even discovering and confiscating several firearms.

In recent years, complaints and accidents involving electric scooters in Houston have increased. Some residents say they've had "enough" and fully support the city's proposed ban.

People ride electric scooters around Discovery Green park in Houston on 26/7. Photo: HC

People ride electric scooters around Discovery Green park in Houston on 26/7. Photo: HC

"My neighbor was shot in the stomach by a 15-year-old riding a scooter. It's crazy. This teenager was riding around downtown and shooting people. I've lived here for 20 years and have never seen anything like this," said a man who lives near Discovery Green.

Todd Holloman, an official with Houston First Corporation, the city's tourism and events agency, said many adults and minors ride electric scooters at excessive speeds, faster than cars, weaving through traffic from morning to late night.

"They ride on sidewalks, against traffic in crowded areas. It's no longer just a nuisance; it's creating chaos and danger," Holloman said.

"Houston is having a problem with electric scooters," said a hotel employee. "Recently, I had to help break up a fight between scooter riders right in front of the hotel. We had to bring guests inside for their safety."

People ride electric scooters on the streets of Houston, Texas, USA. Photo: HC

People ride electric scooters on the streets of Houston, Texas, USA. Photo: HC

However, some Houston businesses have cautioned the city against a hasty ban.

Kathryn Lott, head of the Discovery Green Conservancy, believes the scooters themselves are not the problem. The issue lies with the violence and poor traffic culture of some riders, who disregard the law.

The Houston Chronicle argued that the city is being too hasty in addressing a phenomenon that has helped revitalize downtown after decades of trying to "get people out of their cars and into the heart of the city."

Local officials also seem to have overlooked the impact a ban would have on residents who rely on scooters for commuting or attending school.

"Oh my God, I'm a nanny. This is how I get to work," lamented Claudia Vargas Corletto, a resident of the Third Ward, regarding the proposed ban. She doesn't own a car, and her most convenient way to get to work in Montrose is by electric scooter.

Adib Baghdadi, owner of several electric scooter shops near downtown Houston, fears he will lose his livelihood if the ban is passed. His shops employ about 20 people, with operating costs of tens of thousands of USD per month.

"The ban will kill this entire industry, causing many people to go bankrupt and lose their jobs. I've witnessed how scooters have changed the way people move around downtown Houston. They're environmentally friendly, affordable, convenient, and have become an essential option for many seeking an alternative to traditional cars," Baghdadi said.

Claudia Vargas Corletto rides her electric scooter to work in Montrose, Houston. Photo: HC

Claudia Vargas Corletto rides her electric scooter to work in Montrose, Houston. Photo: HC

Seven scooter companies have formed a coalition opposing the ban, arguing that the decision could jeopardize millions of USD in investments, hundreds of jobs, and a part of the city's culture.

They believe Houston authorities should focus on addressing illegal scooter rental operations and riders' misconduct, rather than implementing a complete ban.

"Unlicensed scooter rental stands are not legitimate businesses. They have no safety procedures to handle any problems," Baghdadi pointed out. "Meanwhile, to rent a scooter from my shop, customers must present identification proving they are at least 18 years old, are not intoxicated, and must wear a helmet. Our scooters also have a speed limit of 40 km/h. We also have liability insurance."

The coalition of seven businesses proposes implementing measures to restrict scooter operation by area using GPS, limiting speed and rider age, which could help foster safe riding habits and eliminate bad behavior.

After weeks of debate, observers say some City Council members are ready to compromise on the scooter ban.

"I think there are certain ways to reconcile the different interests," said Julian Ramirez, chair of the Quality of Life Committee and City Council member.

Duc Trung (FOX26 Houston, ABC13, Houston Chronicle)