Eugene Police Warn High-Speed “E-Bikes” May Actually Be Illegal Electric Motorcycles

Eugene, OR. — Eugene police are warning residents that some vehicles marketed and sold as electric bicycles do not qualify as legal e-bikes under Oregon law and cannot be operated in public spaces.

According to the department, a vehicle capable of exceeding 20 mph using a throttle without the rider pedaling is considered an electric motorcycle, or “e-moto,” rather than an e-bike. Eugene police said those vehicles may not be ridden on public streets, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, paths or other public property in the city.

The classification applies even when a retailer advertises or sells the vehicle as an e-bike.

Legal e-bikes must have working pedals and cannot exceed 20 mph under throttle power alone. Some may provide motor assistance at speeds of up to 28 mph, but only while the rider is pedaling. Oregon law classifies qualifying e-bikes as bicycles rather than motor vehicles.

E-motos can commonly reach speeds ranging from 30 to 70 mph or more without pedaling. They may be equipped with working pedals, decorative or nonfunctional pedals, or foot pegs.

Police encouraged people shopping for an e-bike to verify that a vehicle meets Oregon’s legal requirements before purchasing it. The department suggested consulting a local bicycle shop and specifically requesting a model legally permitted on public streets and paths.

Eugene also limits speeds on shared-use paths to 12 mph when other people are present and 20 mph when the rider is alone.

The Eugene Police Department has added a reporting feature to its MyPDConnect system to document complaints and identify locations where illegal e-motos, speeding or reckless e-bike and electric scooter use frequently occur.

Residents may submit a report through MyPDConnect or review additional information on the city’s bicycle safety and legal requirements webpage.

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