DIFFERENT BIKES, DIFFERENT RULES: E-bike vs E-Moto

From the City of Eugene,

EPD is stepping up enforcement, and we want to prevent injuries on our streets and amazing multi-use paths.

DIFFERENT BIKES, DIFFERENT RULES

Not all e-bikes are legal e-bikes. If it goes faster than 20 MPH without pedaling, it’s an e-moto and is not allowed anywhere except private property and some OHV trails. Make sure you know what kind of device you are buying, as some e-motos are mislabeled as e-bikes. Follow all rules and regulations for your device.

• E-motos: E-motos are not allowed to be operated in any pathway, park, or bike anywhere reserved for bicycle/pedestrian use. E-motos are almost always considered motorcycles or mopeds. As such, they can be subject to requirements of licensing, endorsement, registration, insurance, and ultimately subject to impound or seizure if used improperly. The existence of pedals does not mean the vehicle is an e-bike, as some e-motos have pedals.
• E-Bike: In Oregon, e-bikes are not considered motor vehicles, have working pedals and cannot go faster than 20 MPH without pedaling (by using a throttle). Some e-bikes can reach 28 MPH, but only by pedaling and having the motor help.   Some retailers may mislabel an e-moto as an e-bike.

E-motos, e-bikes, and electric powered scooters have become more common in Eugene. So too, have complaints and safe-use concerns, especially about e-motos being used on bike paths, sidewalks and on roadways, where they are not allowed. In fact, e-motos are only allowed to be ridden on private property and designated Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) areas.

Regardless of what you ride, the speed limit on bike paths is 20 MPH. When others are present, the suggested speed is 12 MPH (or slower). and this applies to all path users. 

Please note: E-motos are in the same category as motorized dirt bikes, which are not allowed on streets unless they comply with motor vehicle equipment and the rider has a motorcycle endorsement.

Eugene Police Department has installed a new reporting tool to MyPDConnect to track complaints and pinpoint locations where illegal e-moto and e-bike/e-scooter behavior is happening.

 You can report e-motos, speeding, and reckless behavior anywhere in Eugene at MyPDConnect:  Eugene Police Department Online Reporting – MyPDConnect