The Electric Bicycle
ORS 801.258 and ORS 814.405 — three classes, a bicycle rather than a motor vehicle, and not on the sidewalk
| Class | Assistance | Stops assisting at |
|---|---|---|
| ClassClass 1 | AssistanceOnly while the rider is pedaling | Stops assisting at20 miles per hour |
| ClassClass 2 | AssistanceMay propel the bicycle without pedaling | Stops assisting at20 miles per hour |
| ClassClass 3 | AssistanceOnly while the rider is pedaling, with a speedometer | Stops assisting at28 miles per hour |
A bicycle, not a motor vehicle. An electric assisted bicycle is considered a bicycle rather than a motor vehicle under the Oregon Vehicle Code, except where a statute specifically provides otherwise. Its rider therefore has the same rights and duties as any other bicycle rider, who in turn has those of a driver except where they cannot apply.
Not on the sidewalk. Operating an electric assisted bicycle on a sidewalk is unsafe operation of a bicycle on a sidewalk, a Class D traffic violation. A pedal bicycle may use a sidewalk, but its rider gives an audible warning before passing a pedestrian, yields to all pedestrians, and slows to an ordinary walk where a car is approaching a crosswalk or driveway.
Any age limits, helmet rules and local restrictions on e-bikes are in other sections or ordinances not on this page. Whether a particular machine is an electric assisted bicycle or a motor vehicle is a question for a licensed Oregon attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- ORS 801.258 — “Electric assisted bicycle.”
- ORS 814.405 — Status of electric assisted bicycle
- ORS 814.410 — Unsafe operation of bicycle on sidewalk
- ORS 814.400 — Application of vehicle laws to bicycles
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Oregon attorney.