05/29/2026
⚡ ELECTRIC MICROMOBILITY SAFETY SERIES – Electric Bicycles ⚡
As electric bikes continue to grow in popularity around McMinnville, it’s important for riders and parents to understand that not all e-bikes are the same.
This week, we are focusing on the THREE CLASSES of Electric Assisted Bicycles recognized under Oregon law.
An electric bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor and classified as either a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 e-bike.
🚲 Class 1 E-Bike
• Provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling
• Stops providing assistance at 20 MPH
• Riders under 16 years old are required to wear a helmet
• Protective headgear is always recommended
• Minimum rider age is 14 years old
🚲 Class 2 E-Bike
• Can be propelled by the motor without pedaling
• Stops providing assistance at 20 MPH
• Protective headgear is always recommended
• Minimum rider age is 16 years old
🚲 Class 3 E-Bike
• Provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling
• Stops providing assistance at 28 MPH
• Must be equipped with a speedometer
• Protective headgear is always recommended
• Minimum rider age is 16 years old
⚠️ Important Reminder:
• Gas-assisted bicycles are NOT considered e-bikes in Oregon. They are classified as mopeds and are subject to different laws and requirements.
• Pocket bikes, mini motorcycles, and electric dirt bikes are NOT legal to operate on highways, streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, or premises open to the public.
• Pocket bikes, mini motorcycles, and electric dirt bikes may only be operated on private property with the property owner’s permission.
🪖 SAFETY MATTERS
E-bikes can travel much faster than traditional bicycles, which means crashes can result in more serious injuries. Wearing a properly fitted helmet greatly reduces the risk of serious head injuries and can save lives.
Please ride responsibly:
• Stay alert and avoid distractions
• Obey traffic laws and signals
• Use lights and reflective gear at night
• Watch for pedestrians and vehicles
• Ride at safe speeds, especially on shared paths
• Protective headgear is always recommended
Before purchasing or riding an electric bike, take time to understand the laws, safety equipment, and riding rules that apply to your specific type of bike.
Our goal is education, awareness, and helping keep everyone in our community safe while enjoying Oregon’s growing micromobility options.
We hope everyone, whether traveling on foot, bike, vehicle, motorcycle, bus, or train, enjoys the beautiful and interesting sights Oregon has to offer.
Have questions about a specific ride? Check out the official ODOT Micromobility Guide at: www.oregon.gov/odot/forms/dmv/6619.pdf
Or Visit: https://www.oregon.gov/odot