New Mexico and Texas Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Last updated on May 26, 2026

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When you’ve been in a bicycle crash, it can feel like your life has been flipped upside-down. The injuries can be severe, and the financial impact can be a tremendous burden. We’re here to help.

We’re Flores Mendez Law, a bilingual, female-owned personal injury law firm serving New Mexico and West Texas. We offer compassionate legal representation in bicycle accident cases. Backed by three decades of experience, our lawyers are fluent in English and Spanish. We’re available to you from our offices in both Las Cruces and El Paso.

Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can happen for a multitude of reasons. Common factors include:

• Distracted drivers
• Drunk or intoxicated drivers
• Reckless drivers
• Failure to yield
• Poor road conditions

These are just a few examples. Identifying the cause of your accident is a crucial part of building your case. We know how to conduct an investigation and gather the right evidence.

Common Challenges In Bicycle Accident Cases

One of the biggest hurdles in these cases is seeking fair compensation from insurance companies. They might try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. Because injuries from bike accidents are often severe, there’s a lot more money at stake. You need someone who can fight for your rights.

As skilled personal injury lawyers, we understand these challenges and will work hard to prevent them from derailing your case. We can help you navigate through the legal complexities, negotiate with insurance companies and take other steps to help you get the full compensation you deserve.

E-Bike Laws For Bicyclists In New Mexico And Texas

E-bike laws can differ between states, and specific municipalities and localities can also have their own rules and local ordinances. Riders should always research their local laws well in advance of an excursion. 

E-Bike Laws In New Mexico

There are three general classifications for e-bikes in New Mexico:

• Class 1: These bikes provide pedal assist and the motor shuts off at 20 miles per hour. They can often be used on multiuse paths or bike lanes.
• Class 2: These e-bikes have a throttle and can be driven without pedaling, but the motor still stops at 20 mph. There are often restrictions on their use on trails and bike paths.
• Class 3: These bikes provide pedal assist but have a motor that cuts off at a higher speed of 28 mph. They must have a speedometer and most operators are required to be at least 16 years old. They generally cannot be used on pedestrian paths or trails.

All riders under 18 in New Mexico must wear a helmet. Those who are under 16 are not allowed to use Class 3 bicycles but may ride as passengers on e-bikes that have specific passenger seats. Additionally, every e-bike needs a label noting its top speed, the motor wattage and the classification number.

E-Bike Laws In Texas

Similar classifications for e-bikes are used in Texas:

• Class 1: These bikes have a pedal-assisted motor that operates up to 20 mph.
• Class 2: These have a throttle-assisted motor that does not require pedaling, also capped at 20 mph.
• Class 3: These e-bikes have a pedal-assisted motor that shuts off at 28 mph.

Texas law does not require riders to have insurance, a specific registration or a license for any class. That said, there are age restrictions for Class 3 bikes, requiring that riders be a minimum of 15 years old.

Additionally, any riders or passengers who are under 18 are required to wear a helmet on a Class 3 bike. Helmets are recommended for use on Class 1 or Class 2 bikes, but it is optional for a rider or passenger of any age.

In general, e-bikes can be ridden in places where traditional bicycles are often allowed, such as roadways, bike paths, bike lanes and shared-use paths. Class 3 bikes face more restrictions, and electric bicycles are not allowed on nonmotorized trails in state parks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Laws In New Mexico And Texas

It is important for cyclists in New Mexico and Texas to understand what safety rules and protections apply to them out on the roads. It can help both with reducing the likelihood of bicycle accidents and strengthening their legal position should accidents occur. Below, we answer some common questions cyclists in Texas and New Mexico have regarding bicycle accident laws.

Do New Mexico and Texas laws treat bicyclists the same as motorists?

By and large, yes. Both states have provisions, New Mexico Statutes Section 66-3-702 and Texas Transportation Code Section 551.101, setting out that cyclists generally are subject to the same rules and enjoy the same rights as motor vehicle drivers when they are on the roads. Given this, it is important for New Mexico and Texas bicyclists to understand the general traffic laws of their state and for motorists to respect the rights of cyclists.

One key exception to the above principle regarding identical treatment of bicyclists and motorists in New Mexico and Texas is when state law puts special rules in place particular to bicyclists. The rest of the questions we cover below regard such bicycle-specific laws.

Is wearing a helmet mandatory when out biking?

The answer depends both on your age and where you are riding. New Mexico requires all cyclists under 18 to wear a helmet (New Mexico Statutes Section 32A-24-3). Texas, meanwhile, does not have any statewide laws on this topic, but local jurisdictions may put their own rules in place regarding bike helmet use. It is important to check if any such local laws would apply to you in the areas where you ride.

Do I need to have a bell on my bike?

This is another area where New Mexico and Texas law differ. Texas does not have any state laws requiring riders to have a bell or similar auditory warning device on their bikes. New Mexico, however, does under New Mexico Statutes Section 66-3-707B. The requirement can be met by either a bell or another device that can be heard at least 100 feet away. However, sirens and whistles are not allowed.

What brakes must my bike have?

Both Texas and New Mexico require bicycles to have brakes, under New Mexico Statutes Section 66-3-707C and Texas Transportation Code Section 551.104(a). Such brakes must be able to bring a bike to a skid when on pavement that is clean, dry and level.

What is required for nighttime cycling?

New Mexico and Texas both have special equipment requirements for cyclists when riding at night. They are set out in New Mexico Statutes Section 66-3-707A and Texas Transportation Code Section 551.104(b). Both states require a white front light. New Mexico requires a back red reflector (with the option of also having a rear red light), while Texas allows for either a rear red reflector or a rear red light. These lights/reflectors all must be visible within certain specified distances.

Where should cyclists ride on the road?

Both New Mexico and Texas require riders, under normal circumstances, to ride as far to the right of the road as possible. The specific laws on this are New Mexico Statutes Section 66-3-705A and Texas Transportation Code Section 551.103(a).

Can cyclists ride next to each other?

Texas and New Mexico both generally allow two cyclists to operate side by side on roadways, under Texas Transportation Code Section 551.103(c) and New Mexico Statutes Section 66-3-705B. Groups of three or more cyclists, however, cannot do so unless the portion of the roadway in question is dedicated exclusively to bikes.

Contact Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, contact our New Mexico bicycle accident attorneys at Flores Mendez Law today. You have nothing to lose by contacting us for a free consultation. You can also call us at 800-381-9999. Let’s discuss your situation and how we can help you get your life back on track. Our Pink Lady Lawyers embody the power, compassion and resilience represented by pink — strength with a purpose. We fight for your rights with determination and care. Se habla español.