Team Springfield launches E-Moto Campaign

Electric bikes are becoming more common in Springfield, especially for students and our city's young riders. But not every electric-powered bike is legally an e-bike. Some vehicles that look like e-bikes are actually electric motorcycles, commonly called e-motos, and cannot be ridden on public streets or paths.

Springfield Public Schools is working with the City of Springfield and Willamalane Park and Recreation District to help families and riders understand the difference and know where they can ride.

What is an e-bike?

The state of Oregon recognizes three classes of electric-assisted bicycles. Legal e-bikes have fully functional pedals and meet the requirements of one of the three classes.

• Class 1 E-Bike: Pedal assist only, up to 20 mph.
• Class 2 E-Bike: Can use a throttle without pedaling, up to 20 mph.
• Class 3 E-Bike: Pedal assist only, up to 28 mph, and must have a speedometer.

Having pedals and an electric motor does not automatically make a vehicle an e-bike.

How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike or e-moto?

It depends on the type of device, but many of them require operators be at 16 years of age or older, including e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards. View an Oregon Department of Transportation guide with more specific information about the rules and regulations.  

What is an e-moto?

E-motos are electric motorcycles that can sometimes look like e-bikes. If a vehicle can go over 20 mph using a throttle, it is not an e-bike. It is an e-moto, even if it has functional pedals, fake pedals or foot pegs. Many e-motos are currently being sold as e-bikes, but a new state law taking effect in January 2027 will prohibit selling e-motos labeled as e-bikes.

Where can I ride?

E-motos are not permitted on public streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, multi-use paths or other public areas in Springfield. They may only be ridden where legally permitted, such as qualifying private property. They are not allowed on school property. 

Where you can ride an e-bike depends on its class and the location.

• City streets and bike lanes: Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are permitted on streets and bike lanes. E-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks.
• Willamalane multi-use paths and trails: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed. Class 3 e-bikes are not.
• Designated mountain bike trails (Thurston Hills Natural Area): Class 1 e-bikes only.

See unsafe or illegal riding?

If you see an e-moto being ridden illegally or observe speeding or reckless riding, call Springfield Police non-emergency at 541-726-3714 while it is happening. This gives officers a chance to respond and talk with the riders while they are still in the area.

Springfield Police are taking an education-first approach and will use these interactions to help riders understand the rules.

Learn more at the City's e-mobility devices page at bit.ly/SPFLDE-Mobility.