Safety experts say e-bike users face a greater risk of injury or death in accidents if not properly trained and educated. Heavier and faster than regular bikes, e-bikes can be more dangerous. Users contend that e-bikes can make a huge difference for those with health issues—getting them out instead of sitting around. Add public parks to the mix and comes the question: Electric bikes and state parks—Do they mix?
Oregon’s interest in electric bikes and state parks
That’s the question that Beaver State officials want an answer to. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is inviting the community to share their experiences and opinions on electric-assisted bicycle (e-bike) and other electric-micromobility (e-micromobility) devices in an online survey through August 31.
OPRD is seeing an increase in the use of e-bikes and e-micromobility devices in Oregon State Parks. The agency says that can present both opportunities and challenges.
Oregon law changed—state parks to react
Earlier this year, Oregon’s legislature introduced specific definitions for e-bikes and adopted a 3-class classification system based on the type of motor, level of electric assistance, and speed capabilities. In line with these changes, OPRD plans to update its e-bike rules later this year.
Currently, e-bikes that fit the definition under Oregon law (ORS 801.258) have limitations. They may ride on bicycle trails 8 feet and wider, unless otherwise marked at Oregon State Parks. They can also be used on beaches where motor vehicles are allowed. But when used by a person with a mobility-related disability, e-bikes are considered other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMD) by the ADA. That means they’re allowed for accessibility.
Take a survey—You could win a parking pass
By participating in this survey now, you can tell OPRD about your current e-bike and e-micromobility use. You can also give your concerns and opinions. More options for public input will be available through the rulemaking process.
This online survey takes only a few minutes to complete. Respondents can also enter a drawing for an annual state park parking permit when they complete it. Responses will be accepted until midnight August 31, 2024.
Taking part in this survey will help the agency gain a better understanding of the role of electric devices in outdoor recreation.
OPRD encourages everyone to follow the rules and guidelines for riding safely in Oregon State Parks. Learn more about riding safely here.
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Many riding the electric bikes are the one’s who should be riding a normal bike.
It does get them off the lounge chairs and out and about.
Let’s hope Oregon isn’t being held out as the model. But short answer is no motorized vehicles should be operated on biking, hiking and running trails. And if you can’t ride a bike, go for a walk.
Are you lumping all ebikes in the same category? There are pedal assist and there are ebikes with throttles that don’t require pedaling.
FYI: There are those who have difficulty walking but can ride a bike. They may find an ebike preferable to a standard bike. Should we also petition our grocery stores to deny admission to all motorized mobility carts, walkers, crutches, etc. because they compromise your shopping experience? Whatever happened to compassion? Bikers like my wife and myself bike because we want to prolong our aging lives. And, oh, horror of all horrors, both bikes are class 2. No matter that we normally use the assist only for hills and headwinds, and we save the throttle for only medical emergencies, you still want to regulate us by casting us in with irresponsible, and maybe drug driven, bike maniacs.
My home state of Florida and Oregon both seem to think restrictions on e-bikes should reflect bike class. WRONG: Bikes are not the problem; riders are! Should we octogenarians have to buy new bikes just to comply with regulations? Should we have to give up healthy lifestyles just because officials don’t know how to control irresponsible bike riders? So why don’t they also limit the horsepower of incoming autos? If there is a problem (and, yes, there is) it’s THE RIDERS, NOT THE BIKES!
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 I think that the lowest category of ebike, the one with the least assistance and lowest motorized speed, can be allowed on wide, paved trails if there is no roadway available. These things certainly have become wildly popular among the YouTubers I watch. We have no plans to join in this fad. Thanks again, have a great weekend, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
I have an e BIKE. I pedal it til I need assistance and continue pedaling- at 69 and enough replaced parts to go to a recycling center instead of a cemetery when I die, I appreciate the help. I didn’t buy a motor bike. Some folks did buy with that intention and never once crank the pedals.
Lumping every E biker together is like every other prejudging discrimination. Think managers! How about speed limits? Licensing?
E-everything, load of crap, the save all…NOT, remember those that were called the greatest generation and what they accomplished without “E” everything, today I see the fat, dumb and lazy if there isn’t a tab or button to push to get where or what you want like yesterday! I’m in my mid 50’s, so before jumping on the bandwagon to bash me for what’s stated that most are afraid to say that may offend someone, cry me a river, build a bridge and get over it. Choices folks, it’s what you make of it, how you get from here to there, getting your hands dirty…physically to achieve your goal(s).