Oregon Moped, Scooter, E-Bike Law

Posted on August 19, 2020 in Car Accident

Many people in the state of Oregon use alternative modes of transportation, including mopeds, scooters, and electric bikes. However, while these modes of transportation may be convenient, there are laws in place regarding the operation of these vehicles. These laws are important to understand and follow because they help increase safety on the roadway. Accidents involving mopeds, scooters, and e-bikes can lead to severe injuries, but the laws we discuss can help prevent any incident from occurring.

Mopeds are strictly regulated in Oregon

In Oregon, a person must have a special Class C driver’s licensed to operate a moped, and they must be at least 16 years of age. There are no instructional permits for operating a moped, and a moped license is specific to operating this type of vehicle only. In order to operate a moped in Oregon, a person seeking this license must pass a knowledge test as well as a moped riding skills test.

A moped must also be registered and licensed with the Oregon DMV before it can be used on the roadway. The moped operator must carry liability insurance (25/50/20), and they must wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times. The moped cannot be capable of reaching speeds of more than 30 mph on level ground. If the source of power for a moped is a combustion engine, it must be 50 cc or less.

Scooters and e-bikes are defined differently

Scooters and electronic bikes are defined differently, and vehicles that fall under the following descriptions do not require a special driver’s license from the state of Oregon to operate.

A scooter means that the vehicle:

  • Is designed to operate on the ground with not more than three wheels
  • Can be propelled by motor or human propulsion
  • Has a power source that cannot propel the vehicle faster than 24 mph on level ground
  • Has a combustion engine of 35 cc or less or an electric power output of not more than 1,000 watts

An electronic bike means that the vehicle:

  • Is a bicycle assisted by electricity
  • Is designed to be operated on the ground with not more than three wheels
  • Has both fully operative pedals for human propulsion as well as an electric motor
  • Is equipped with an electric motor with a power output of no more than 1,000 watts
  • Is incapable of traveling at speeds greater than 20 mph on level ground

Accidents involving these vehicles can lead to severe injuries

Regardless of whether or not a person is operating a moped, a scooter, or an electric bicycle, it is important to understand there is very little protection in the event an impact occurs with a traditional vehicle. Those who are riding these alternative modes of transportation are very likely to sustain severe injuries in a crash, including the following:

  • Broken in dislocated bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Lacerations or puncture wounds
  • Crash injuries or amputations
  • Internal organ damage or internal bleeding

If you or somebody you love has been injured in an accident involving a moped, scooter, or e-bike, please seek assistance from an attorney in order to help receive maximum compensation for your claim. These cases can become complicated, and a Portland personal injury attorney can use their resources to fully investigate the case and determine liability.