AUSTIN, Texas -- Austin's new scooter rules could evolve next month with city leaders' return, but transportation officials want riders who are new to using scooters and bikes in Austin to know the rules of the road.

By and large, the regulations are the same they've always been but expanded to include electric scooters. Some of the apps require riders to take a picture of how they left the equipment afterward to make sure it's parked near a bike rack or bench instead of blocking traffic.

Officials prefer riders use bike lanes to get around, especially in downtown where there's so much foot traffic.

"Sidewalks are not the most visible and predictable place to be if you are on a bicycle or scooter," said Laura Dierenfield of Austin Transportation Department. "That's because you can travel at higher speeds, and there is a lot of conflicts in terms of driveways and intersections that you need to be aware of."

Before you take a bike or scooter out for a spin, city leaders suggest you read over the rules at austintexas.gov/docklessmobility.