Portland’s dependency on public and pedestrian transportation puts an emphasis on efficient travel for locals. E-bikes have gained popularity in the past decade by becoming more affordable and easily accessible, especially in cities like Portland. Portland bicycle accident lawyers at Tillmann Law believe that given the rise of e-bike usage, there is greater risk for collision. If you’re an avid e-biker and want to make sure you’re following the rules of the road, this blog should help you glean a greater understanding of the laws, and your overall safety on the bike.
Portland’s Definition Of Electric Bikes, Mopeds, & Scooters
While electric bikes, mopeds, and motorcycles are very similar at their core, there are key differences between them that affect the way they are viewed in the eyes of the law. Oregon’s definition of these driven vehicles are:
Electric Assisted Bicycles: Under Oregon Law ORS 801.258, electric bikes are defined as modes of transportation that is:
- Designed to be ridden on the ground with two wheels.
- Has a seat or saddle for the operator
- Has no more than three wheels in contact with the ground
- Has operative pedals and an electric motor
- The electric motor does not exceed 1,000 watts / incapable of propelling a vehicle over 20 MPH
Mopeds: According to Oregon law, if utilizing a combustion engine:
- A moped must be between 35.01 to 50cc
- Must be unable to travel faster than 30 MPH on flat ground.
- Requires a driver’s license
- Must not require the manual shifting of gears by the drivers once the drive system is engaged.
Scooters: Different to both mopeds and e-bikes, scooters:
- Cannot go above 24 MPH on flat ground
- Does not require a driver’s license
- Minimum age of 16 to operate
- Cannot be ridden on the sidewalk
- Use may be restricted depending on jurisdiction
Federal Laws Around E-Bikes
The federal definition of a low-speed e-bike was left to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They consider an e-bike to be “… a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph. (Public Law No. 107-319, section 1, 116 Stat. 2776 (2002))”.
At the federal level, e-bike solicitation and distribution is regulated, but it is up to each state to manage how e-bikes are used.
Where On The Road Can You Ride an E-Bike?
Because e-bikes are legally considered bikes, not motorized vehicles, in Portland, the bike lane is where e-bicyclists can legally travel. E-bikes are also allowed on trails and in recreational areas. If you’re looking for fun and scenic routes to take your e-bike, check out some of Oregon’s top e-bike adventures.
Electric Bike Safety Risks
Considering that between 2015 to 2019 there were more than 2,240 reported bicycle accidents in the Portland metro area, it’s not a stretch to conclude that bicycling isn’t always the safest mode of transportation. Therefore, adding electric power to a bicycle only increases the rider’s chance of injury. To avoid serious injuries, like those described by the Portland injury lawyers at DuBois Law Group, it is imperative that you:
- Follow all bicycle road laws and regulations
- Wear the necessary protective gear
- Avoid riding in dangerous weather conditions
- Avoid highly-trafficked roads
- Only ride on sanctioned e-bike roadways
- Practicing defensive riding