BEND, Ore. — As warmer weather brings more people outdoors, a coalition of Bend-area agencies is urging residents and visitors to follow e-bike laws and prioritize safety amid a growing number of crashes and injuries across Central Oregon.
The campaign is a joint effort between the Bend Police Department, Bend Fire & Rescue, Bend-La Pine Schools, Bend Park & Recreation District, St. Charles Health System and the Old Mill District.
Officials say the message is simple: know the law, ride responsibly and understand the risks associated with increasingly powerful electric bikes and motorcycles.
Under current Oregon law, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike. E-bikes are also prohibited on sidewalks, and riders must obey all standard traffic laws, including stopping at red lights and stop signs and traveling on the correct side of the road.
Authorities also warned that many vehicles marketed as e-bikes are actually high-speed electric motorcycles capable of traveling more than 40 mph, making them illegal for use on city streets and trails.
The renewed safety push comes as emergency responders and healthcare providers report a sharp increase in e-bike-related injuries.
Over the past year, Bend Fire medics responded to 38 e-bike crashes. Meanwhile, St. Charles Health System treated 83 patients for e-bike-related injuries in 2025, up from 63 in 2024. Hospital officials say injury numbers in 2026 are already about 50% higher than this time last year.
“E-bikes are a great way to get around and enjoy Central Oregon, but we are seeing more patients come to the emergency department with serious injuries after crashes,” said Dr. Jon Roberts. “These injuries can be as simple as a broken bone, but they are often much more severe, including internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and even death.”
Roberts stressed the importance of helmets, following traffic laws and avoiding riding while impaired.
Officials are also asking parents to understand the legal restrictions before purchasing e-bikes or electric motorcycles for children.
They pointed to a recent case in Orange County in which a 14-year-old rider fatally struck an 81-year-old man. The child’s mother was later charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Bend-La Pine Schools officials noted that e-bikes are not allowed on elementary or middle school campuses because students at those schools are below the legal riding age.
Trail and park safety has also become a growing concern.
The Bend Park & Recreation District allows pedal-assisted e-bikes on parks and trails, while throttle-powered e-bikes are restricted to roads and parking areas.
“The number one thing we hear from our park and trail users is that they want e-bike riders to slow down,” said Julie Brown. “We want all of our residents and visitors to enjoy their time in our parks and on our trails, and that means sharing trails and pathways and being aware of everyone’s safety.”
The Old Mill District is also introducing additional speed-calming measures along trails and entrances to discourage reckless riding. Officials noted the district is private property and can trespass riders who refuse to follow rules.
Both agencies plan to install additional trail signage this summer reminding riders and pedestrians to slow down and share public spaces safely.
“We’ve all heard from concerned community members who want us to address the issue of e-bikes on our roads,” said Sheila Miller. “But our agencies can’t solve this problem alone. We need the public’s help.”
Officials encouraged riders to educate themselves on local regulations, understand where different classes of e-bikes are permitted and carefully research any vehicle before purchasing.
They emphasized that legitimate Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes stop providing motor assistance at 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes stop assisting at 28 mph. Vehicles advertised with higher speeds or lacking pedals are generally classified as electric motorcycles or dirt bikes and are not street legal on Bend roads or trails.
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