E-Bike, E-Scooter, and E-Dirt Bike Safety

Safety Flyers

Know What You Are Buying

Electric bikes are available in a variety of styles and offer several levels of assistance to adjust the amount of boost you get.

With the number of devices on the road, it can be hard to understand what the law is for each device. The Sheriff's Office wants you to know, before you buy! Know the classification so you can understand the laws for properly riding your new device.

Bicycle

• Two pedals
• No assistance
• Average 10-12 mph

Class 1

• Two pedals
• Pedal assist
• Up to 20 mph

Class 2

• Two pedals
• Throttle
• Pedal assist
• Up to 20 mph

Class 3

• Two pedals
• Pedal assist
• Up to 28 mph
• Must be equipped with a speedometer

E-Scooter / Motor-Assisted Scooter

• No pedals
• Propelled by motor or human propulsion
• Up to 15 mph (changes to 20 mph on 1/1/27)

E-Dirt Bike / Pocket Bike / Mini-Motorcycle

• No functional pedals; could have foot pegs
• Could be considered a motorcycle or moped depending on engine size and capable speed
• Varying speeds over 24 mph

*If e-powered devices exceed statutory limitations, they could require title, registration, insurance, and a driver's license with proper endorsements similar to a motorcycle or moped.

How is an E-Bike Different from a Standard Bike or Motorcycle?

Standard bikes and e-bikes may appear similar in frame, wheels, tires, pedals, and handlebars. However, the power output is very different.

Standard bikes require a person to pedal and generate their own propulsion 100% of the time. They are great for exercise, recreation, or general transportation. E-bikes are bicycles with battery-powered assistance for riding. Assistance can come from a pedal-assist motor or a throttle, depending on the bike. E-bikes are designed to stop assisting you, whether through pedal assistance or throttle, once you hit 20-28 mph. Oregon classifies e-bikes into three categories based on speed and assist type.

In addition, these bikes are different in weight, with e-bikes weighing considerably more, averaging between 45-70 lbs. In comparison, a standard bike averages 20-30 lbs.

Between the speed and weight differences, the accidents that result from e-bike riding are also different from standard bikes. What could be scrapes and bruises on a standard bike might be fractures, concussions, or even ER stays on an e-bike. This is why it is important to know how to ride safely.

E-Dirt Bike or E-Motorcycles – Know the Difference

E-dirt bikes or e-motorcycles are electric, motor-powered vehicles designed for higher speeds that do not require pedaling. These devices are not street legal and can only be ridden on private property.

Questions to ask before purchasing an e-device – What every parent should know

Not all e-bikes are equal. Knowing what you are buying is the first step to staying out of the ER. When purchasing an e-bike, we recommend you ask the following questions so you can approach your device with the proper knowledge to ride responsibly.

• What class is this e-bike?
• What is the minimum age requirement for this model?
• What type of helmet is required for this class?
• What is this e-bike’s top assisted speed?
• Does this e-bike have a throttle?
• Where will we be charging the device? Will this battery be supported by these plans?
• Is this bike certified (UL, IP, or similar)?
• Where is my child allowed to ride this device?
• Does this bike have speed-limiting options I can set as a parent?
• What happens if my child is in an accident – are they covered under our insurance? What if they hit another car? Would my car insurance cover the accident?

Know the Law

Local and state regulations can make choosing the right e-bike feel overwhelming. We’re here to simplify the process by clearly outlining what you need to know, so you can make confident, informed, and fully legal decisions to keep you and your family safe on every ride.

Where can I ride?

Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes can be operated in a bicycle lane or path. If there is no bicycle lane, you can ride an e-bike or e-scooter in the lane of traffic, while following all traffic laws. These devices may not operate on the sidewalk. Bicycles, including e-bikes, must slow down to a walking pace in crosswalks and motor-assisted scooters or e-scooters must be walked in crosswalks.

Many private locations, including shopping centers, parks, and city streets, have their own rules and regulations for these devices. Always check the rules for the area you plan on riding before using an e-device.

Legal Requirements

Know the Real Risks

E-bikes change the ride. Their increased speed and weight not only affect how you handle them, but they also influence the severity of a crash. Understanding these differences helps riders make safer choices.

Why E-Bike Crashes are Different

A standard bicycle travels around 10-12 miles per hour. An accident at 20-28 miles per hour can have significantly more severe consequences. When speed doubles, the force of impact increases four times over. Higher e-bike speeds reduce the rider's reaction time to avoid a collision. E-bikes also tend to weigh twice as much as a standard bike, making it harder to stop and increasing the risk of serious injury.

While the data is still limited, there has been a proven relationship between the severity of the crash and the device being ridden. These accidents result in higher hospitalization rates, more severe traumatic brain injuries, and larger numbers of other related injuries.

How Crashes Happen

There are many factors that can contribute to an e-bike crash, including speed, distractions, inexperience, inadequate gear, or not riding mindfully. As with any crash, the circumstances will influence the outcome. Similar to motor vehicle collisions, excessive speed, distractions, and other risky behaviors can increase the severity of injuries.

There is no single "at-risk" group; however, there are groups of individuals who are most at risk of injury.

• Adolescents under the age of 16
• Teenagers
• Older adults

Injuries could occur due to a lack of experience with traffic, underestimating the devices’ power, or risky behavior and lack of control. There are also many rider conditions that have been shown to have a higher risk of injury, including:

• Not wearing a helmet
• Using a phone or distracted riding
• Not following traffic signals

The E-Bike Impact

As e-devices grow in popularity, so do crashes. Data from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) shows injury visits have more than doubled over the past 5 years.

Know How to Ride Smart

The right gear and the right habits can keep your e-bike from taking you to the ER.

E-bikes are a fun, healthy way to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you use them for commuting, the occasional ride, or recreation, having the proper tools keeps you and others on the road safe.

Essential Gear

A helmet is your protection against many of the serious injuries that can come from an e-bike collision. It is important to wear one properly on every ride.

Other gear can make your ride easier and safer. Below is a list of suggestions to consider each time you go out on your e-bike.

• Lights on the front and rear of the e-bike.
• Reflectors
• High Visibility clothing – this could include reflective vests, brightly colored clothing, or neon clothing.
• Closed-Toe Shoes

Ride Smart

Before every ride, it is important to ensure your bike is in good working order.

• Tires should have enough air they are firm when pressed.
• When pulled, brake levers should have approximately one inch of space between the lever and the handle grip.
• The battery should be seated properly, charged, and turned on.
• Make sure all parts of the assembly move smoothly when pedaling.
• Ensure nothing can get caught within the spokes or pedals of your bike.

People on e-bikes have the same responsibility on the road as people on standard bicycles or in cars. It is up to the rider to know the laws and how to ride in traffic. The following are some examples of the laws that will help you stay safe during your ride:

• Ride in proper traffic lanes. For e-bikes, this means in the bike lane or in the lane of traffic.
• Ride defensively. Be alert and communicate with drivers and other cyclists.
• Predictability is key when you are on the road. Know hand signals such as right and left turn. Help other road users anticipate your change of direction.
• Follow all traffic control devices such as stop signs, stop lights, and other signage.
• Watch for and yield to pedestrians, and be aware of the other vehicles around you.
• Avoid distractions by staying off your phone and avoiding headphones or anything else that can obstruct your hearing or vision.

Know your power and know your speed. E-bikes are more dangerous, primarily because of their weight and speed. Do not ride above your capabilities. Practice riding in a safe environment away from other vehicles until you are comfortable with your device. Many E-bikes have “Eco mode” to make the transition from a traditional bike to an e-bike easier.

Report Reckless E-Bike Behavior

To improve livability and raise awareness about the safety risks associated with these devices, community members are encouraged to submit concerns through the online Traffic Complaint Form. This tool allows the community to alert the Sheriff’s Office about problem areas while reducing non-emergency calls to dispatch, keeping phone lines open for urgent emergency needs.

Once a report is submitted, it is sent directly to the Traffic Sergeant, who reviews the information and can determine appropriate enforcement actions.