To: The Woodlands Township Board of Directors and Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

We, the undersigned residents of The Woodlands, respectfully request that The Woodlands Township review and strengthen regulations regarding the use of electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other motorized micromobility devices within our community.

Over the past months, many residents have expressed concern — both in person and on social media — about the increasing number of minors operating high-speed electric bikes and scooters on pedestrian trails, sidewalks, and neighborhood streets.

These devices are capable of speeds between 20–28 mph and are frequently operated by children who may not yet have the developmental judgment, reaction time, or training required to safely control motorized equipment in shared-use environments.

Our hike-and-bike trails were designed primarily for pedestrians, families with small children, seniors, and recreational cyclists — not for motorized traffic. The combination of blind curves, mixed-use pathways, and higher speeds creates a serious risk of injury to riders, pedestrians, and even drivers.

In Texas, teenagers are not permitted to drive a motor vehicle until age 16 because the state recognizes the need for maturity and responsibility when operating motorized equipment. Similar considerations should apply to high-speed electric devices being operated in densely populated residential areas.

We respectfully request that The Woodlands Township consider implementing the following measures:

Prohibit electric bikes, electric scooters, and other motorized devices from pedestrian-designated hike-and-bike trails.
Establish a minimum age requirement of 16 years for operating electric bikes or scooters within Township boundaries.
Implement and enforce reasonable speed limits in residential and shared-use areas.
Require helmet use for minors operating electric devices.
Clarify the classification of electric bikes and scooters within Township code to eliminate ambiguity.
Increase signage and community education regarding safe and lawful use.
This petition is not intended to restrict recreation unnecessarily, but rather to ensure that safety remains a priority and that proactive measures are taken before a serious accident occurs.

We urge The Woodlands Township to review current policies and take appropriate action to protect children, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers within our community.

Safety should be proactive, not reactive.

Respectfully,

The Woodlands Residents