The Beaverton Police Department released an infographic guide explaining which electric-powered bikes are legal in Oregon and which aren't to help residents navigate parks, trails, and neighborhood streets safely.
Not every electric-powered bike qualifies as an e-bike under Oregon law. The BPD resource breaks down the state's three legal classifications:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only. The motor cuts out at 20 mph. Riders must be at least 14 years old under HB 4007, effective June 5.
- Class 2: Throttle-assisted, capped at 20 mph. Riders must be 16 or older.
- Class 3: Pedal-assist with a motor that cuts out at 28 mph. Requires a speedometer. Riders must be 16 or older.
Devices that exceed these speed limits or weigh more than 100 pounds unloaded don't qualify as e-bikes or micromobility devices under state law. They may fall under motorcycle or moped regulations instead.
Oregon House Bill 4007, signed by the governor on April 7, took effect June 5 after passing the state House 57-0 and the Senate 28-0 earlier in the spring.
The law lowered the minimum age to ride a Class 1 e-bike from 16 to 14. It also defined "powered micromobility device" in Oregon law for the first time and made it illegal for retailers to sell vehicles as e-bikes if they exceed 28 mph, or 20 mph on throttle alone. Violations carry a $250 fine per vehicle.
The guide's release comes amid heightened concern about micromobility safety in south Beaverton. On June 25, 14-year-old Jacob Tran was killed while riding an electric scooter in a marked crosswalk at Southwest Scholls Ferry Road and SW Barrows Road. Tran, an incoming freshman at Mountainside High School, was wearing a helmet and heading to a summer football workout when a 16-year-old driver struck him. He died at a hospital. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with police.
Electric scooters follow separate rules from e-bikes. Under Oregon law, all e-scooter riders must wear a helmet regardless of age, must be at least 16 years old, and cannot exceed 15 mph.
Riders must use the bike lane; sidewalk riding is generally prohibited unless entering or leaving an adjacent property.
THPRD said the BPD infographic is available through beavertonpolice.org, and encouraged residents to review the material before riding on district trails and in parks.
Residents with information about the June 25 crash who have not spoken with investigators can contact the Beaverton Police Department tip line.
