TITLE: Relating to a study by the Texas Department of Transportation on shared motor-assisted scooters.

SUMMARY: Relating to a study by the Texas Department of Transportation on shared motor-assisted scooters.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a study by the Texas Department of Trans portation on shared motor-assisted scooters. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "motor-assisted scooter" has the meaning assigned by Section 551.351, Transportation Code. SECTION 2. STUDY AND REPORT. (a) The Texas Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute or other institutions of higher education, local governments, or industry representatives, shall conduct a study on the use of shared motor-assisted scooters. (b) The study must examine: (1) the legal definition and existing local regulation of shared motor-assisted scooters; (2) the liability issues related to shared motor-assisted scooter use and accidents; (3) the operation of shared motor-assisted scooters, including: (A) safety standards; (B) interaction with pedestrians; (C) shared infrastructure; and (D) operator qualifications; (4) the economic impact of shared motor-assisted scooters, including any burdens on or benefits to local governments; (5) accessibility of shared motor-assisted scooters; (6) shared motor-assisted scooters' impact on public transportation; (7) the social norms of shared motor-assisted scooter use, including shared motor-assisted scooter etiquette; and (8) how shared motor-assisted scooters have been and may be integrated into the overall transportation system. (c) Not later than December 1, 2020, the Texas Department of Transportation shall submit to the legislature a report on the findings of the study conducted under this section. SECTION 3. EXPIRATION. This Act expires January 1, 2021. SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.