If your child rides an electric bike to school, here's what Katy ISD families need to know before the Aug. 12 first day: e-bikes that top out at 20 to 28 mph are still allowed on campus. Electric dirt bikes, motorcycles, mini-bikes, pocket bikes, ATVs and similar high-powered vehicles are not.
The board of trustees voted 7-0 on July 27 to add a new "Safe Transportation – Motorized Vehicles" section to the district's Discipline Management Plan for 2026–27. The language, which will appear on approximately page 22 of the DMP, spells out for the first time exactly which motorized rides students may and may not bring onto school grounds.
The district had already prohibited such vehicles in practice. The DMP update codifies that stance in writing.
What's allowed
Under the new policy, e-bikes are authorized "if operated appropriately." To qualify under Texas law, an e-bike must have fully operable pedals, a motor under 750 watts and a top assisted speed of 28 mph or less. Traditional bicycles and standing electric scooters also remain permitted, according to Fox 26 Houston.
Texas Transportation Code §664.001 breaks legal e-bikes into three classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist only, 20 mph max), Class 2 (throttle-assisted, 20 mph max) and Class 3 (pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph). Riders must be at least 15 to operate a Class 3.
What's banned
The DMP now explicitly prohibits ATVs, OHVs, electric motorcycles, electric mini-bikes, pocket bikes "or similar high powered motorized devices." Students must also comply with all traffic laws on school grounds, including helmet, licensing, registration and insurance requirements.
How it happened
Trustees Nathan Shipley and Rebecca Fox requested the update at the board's July 20 work study meeting, citing public concern sparked by Fort Bend Precinct 1 Constable Chad Norvell's warnings about unregistered e-motorcycles being ridden to school by unlicensed operators. Director of Student Affairs Sherri Ashorn drafted the new language and brought it back one week later for the July 27 vote, the Katy Times reported.
Norvell and Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Terry Albritton had sent a letter to Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski on May 21 asking the district to ban the vehicles from campus, warning that many are designed exclusively for off-road use and are illegal on public streets.
In a letter to families, Katy ISD Police Chief David Rider said law enforcement has seen rising accidents and injuries involving high-powered electric vehicles operated by children and teens.
Katerina Morzhueva, owner of Cool Cat Cycle in the Cinco Ranch area and a Katy ISD parent, told Fox 26 she supports the clarified restrictions and believes street-legal e-bikes can provide students and families with reliable transportation. She noted riders must remain mindful of pedestrians and traditional cyclists, particularly because some legal e-bikes can travel up to 28 mph.
What parents should watch for
Board Vice President Rebecca Fox acknowledged the rules can be confusing. "It can be very difficult to understand which ones we're talking about and which ones we're not," Fox said at the July 27 meeting.
District staff said families will receive guidance before the Wednesday, Aug. 12 first day through campus newsletters, the district's Friday parent newsletter and special graphics prepared by the Katy ISD Police Department. Individual campuses may also adopt additional restrictions if safety concerns arise at their school.
