Media Release August 5, 2026 Electric Vehicle Reminders Our communities have seen an increase in e-bike and e-scooter use. For some, these can be great options for convenient transportation and recreation, but they come with the responsibility of following laws and taking additional precautions to keep everyone safe. In the last few months, there have been concerns about the safety of pedestrians, local traffic, and the operators themselves due to unsafe navigation of e-bikes throughout Lincoln County. Before your electric adventure begins, there are some things you should know. E-bikes - Definition: a bicycle equipped with an electric motor and that is a Class 1, 2, or 3 electric assisted bicycle. - Class 1: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 MPH. - Class 2: May be propelled by its motor without a rider pedaling and ceases to provide assistance once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 MPH. - Class 3: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 MPH, and is equipped with a speedometer. - Gas assisted bicycles gas assisted bicycles are considered mopeds, see below for more information. - Use requirements: - Operators must be at least 16 years old. - May not be driven on sidewalks. - Approved lighting must be used when operating under limited visibility. - Helmets are recommended unless they violate religious beliefs. Moped: - Defined as a vehicle that: - Is designed to be operated on the ground with no more than three wheels. - Has a seat or saddle for operator use. - Is equipped with an independent power source that - Maxes out at 30 MPH on level ground, and - If gas-powered, has a displacement of 35.01 to 50cc. - Has an automatic power drive and does not require clutching or shifting. - Note: If the vehicle exceeds either maximum capable speed or engine size, it is a motorcycle. - Use requirements: - Must have registration and insurance to operate on public roadways and premises open to the public is. - Requires a driver license to operate (but not a motorcycle endorsement). - Motorcycle helmet required. - Headlights required. - May operate in a bike lane only if exclusively powered by human power. - Passengers are not allowed. E-scooters: - Defined as a vehicle that: - Is designed to be operated on the ground with up to four wheels and has foot support or a seat for the operator’s use. - Can be propelled by motor OR human propulsion. - Is equipped with a power source that maxes out at 24 MPH on level ground. - If gas-powered, has a max displacement of 35 cc. - If electric, has a max output of 1,000 watts. - Use requirements: - Operators must be at least 16 years old. - May not exceed 15 MPH. - Users must wear protective headgear unless doing so violates religious beliefs. - Passengers are not allowed. - Approved lighting must be used when operating under limited visibility. - Must use bicycle lane or path if bicycle lane or path is near the roadway and use is not prohibited by local laws. - May ride on sidewalk to enter or leave adjacent property. - Must walk scooter in crosswalk (this does not apply to person with a disability). - Use may be restricted by local jurisdictions. Weather, experience, and traffic can impact the safety of navigating and sharing the road. Using additional caution and patience can help keep our roads safer for everyone involved. Check out this guide from Oregon Department of Transportation for more information: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/forms/dmv/6619.pdfPhotos from Lincoln County Sheriff's Office - Oregon's post