Oregon Parks and Recreation considers changing rules on e-bikes

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has launched a project to consider new rules for the use of e-bikes in campgrounds, beaches and other park facilities.

The effort comes as e-bike use has skyrocketed across the state and a new law clarifying the types of e-bikes was passed by the Oregon Legislature last session.

You’ll recall that in 2017 we reported on an unfortunate loophole in OPRD rules that meant bikes with battery-powered motors were technically not allowed on popular bike trails in the state park system. This legal issue was resolved in 2018 when the State Parks Commission approved a new administrative rule allowing e-bikes to be ridden on trails and roads wider than eight feet unless otherwise noted.

They are now looking to re-evaluate the rules to account for different types of e-bikes and different types of trails. According to OPRD, the resulting rule change is expected to come later this year and could “expand, limit or continue where e-bikes can be used.”

(Keep in mind that Oregon parks are managed under the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR), not the Oregon Vehicle Code.)

House Bill 4103 was passed by the legislature earlier this year. It brought Oregon into compliance with national standards and adopted a three-class system: Class 1 includes bikes that can go up to 20 mph with only pedal and battery power; Class 2 includes bikes that can go up to 20 mph with a throttle; and Class 3 includes bikes that can go up to 28 mph with pedal assist only.

“OPRD’s current e-bike rules do not account for these differences between e-bike classes, so now is an ideal time to review the current regulations and evaluate whether the changes are appropriate,” reads on an OPRD web page.

A new investigation is the first step in the public awareness process that will help determine what new rule(s) OPRD will ultimately adopt. The survey asks respondents what type of activities they do in parks, how often they encounter e-bikes, and whether “e-bikes on trails impact your recreational experience.” Another question: “Do you have any concerns about sharing trails with e-bikes?” ” clearly shows that this process will go a long way to alleviating complaints from some park users that some e-bike users are not riding compared to others.

I sincerely hope that OPRD does not over-regulate e-bikes. They should focus on regulating behavior, not types of bikes, as they do with other types of vehicles. Any type of blanket exclusion of a particular type of e-bike could risk limiting access to recreational activities for many Oregonians.

The investigation is open until August 31. Take it here.

Stay tuned for the public comment period and any other news on this topic.