Fact
Sheet for Mini-Motorbikes/Scooters
Q:
Are pocket bikes, mini-choppers or mini-motorcycles
legal on
Oregon public roads?
A: No. These vehicles are not intended for use on
public streets and highways. They are manufactured for
off-road use.
A mini-motorcycle, pocket bike, go-kart, all-terrain
vehicle or similar motorized vehicle is not legal for
use on public roads in Oregon. At least two traffic
violations could apply for anyone found using such a
vehicle on public roads:
- Operation of an
unsafe vehicle is a Class B traffic violation (ORS
815.020), with a fine up to $360.
- Operation of a
vehicle that violates equipment rules is a Class C
traffic violation (ORS 815.100), with a fine up to
$180.
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Q:
But don’t some of these vehicles fit the legal
definition of a motorcycle?
A: Not necessarily. A motorized vehicle
might fit the definition of a motorcycle and still be
illegal to ride on public roads.
To be legal on public roads, motorized vehicles,
including motorcycles, need to meet the U.S. Department
of Transportation’s vehicle design safety and equipment
requirements, which are also the standards adopted by
Oregon (ORS 815.010 and 815.030).
Manufacturers that meet these requirements provide a
vehicle identification number (VIN), and a
manufacturer's certificate of origin, or MCO, which
certifies that the vehicle meets U.S. DOT standards.
Other proof of compliance with standards may be
provided. For more information see
Imported Motorcycle and Moped
Requirements.
Oregon, like all other states, requires that if a motor
vehicle is designed for use on public roads that it
needs to be titled and registered. That requirement
includes mounting of a license plate or plates and
payment of a registration fee.
The rider must have a driver license or instruction
permit. For some vehicles, such as motorcycles, the
driver also must have endorsements on their driver
licenses.
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Q:
What about scooters, mopeds, electric assisted bicycles
and personal mobility devices?
A: Some of these vehicles are legal in some
situations if they meet the specific definitions and
restrictions in Oregon law. Also, riders must be at
least 16 years old and not have driving privileges
suspended or revoked.
Although a driver license is not required for
motor-assisted scooters, electric assisted bicycles and
personal mobility devices, riders must be at least 16
years old (ORS 807.020 and 814.512) and be
eligible for driving privileges. It is also possible
for a person whose driving privileges are suspended or
revoked to be charged with operating any motorized
vehicle while suspended/revoked - including a
motor-assisted scooter - on public roads.
Driving any motor vehicle on a public road while
suspended is a Class A violation with a maximum fine of
$720.
Operation by a rider under 16 years of age is a Class D
traffic violation with a maximum fine of $90.
A parent or legal guardian of a child younger than 16
years old who authorizes or knowingly allows a child to
operate a motor-assisted scooter may be subject to a
traffic citation and fine (ORS 814.536), as well.
Riders must follow Oregon traffic laws and any laws that
apply specifically to these vehicles, such as wearing a
helmet.
A driver license or restricted license is required for
anyone to operate a moped (ORS 807.031). Violation of
this law is a Class B traffic violation with a maximum
fine of $360.
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Q:
Which motor-assisted scooters, mopeds, electric assisted
bicycles and personal mobility devices are legal on
public roads in
Oregon?
A: To
be legal on Oregon public roads, they must fit one of
the definitions in the state’s laws.
Riders must be at least 16 years old.
Use of these vehicles also may be restricted in cities,
counties, parks, bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks and
other locations and situations.
Mopeds must be titled and registered, but Oregon law
specifically exempts motor-assisted scooters, electric
assisted bicycles, and personal mobility devices from
title and registration requirements.
A motor-assisted scooter:
- is designed to be
operated on the ground with not more than three
wheels;
- has handlebars and
a foot support or seat;
- can be propelled by
human or motor;
- has a motor capable
of propelling it no faster than 24 miles per hour on a
level road; and
- has a motor no
bigger than 35 cubic centimeters or, if electric, has
a power output of no more than 1,000 watts.
(ORS 801.348)
A moped:
- is designed to be
operated on the ground upon wheels;
- has a seat or
saddle for use of the rider;
- is designed to
travel with not more than three wheels in contact with
the ground;
- is equipped with an
independent power source that is capable of propelling
the vehicle, unassisted, at a speed of not more than
30 miles per hour on a level road surface; and if the
power source is a combustion engine, has a piston or
rotor displacement of 35.01 to 50 cubic centimeters
regardless of the number of chambers in the power
source; and
- is equipped with a
power drive system that functions directly or
automatically only and does not require clutching or
shifting by the operator after the system is engaged.
A bicycle equipped
with a power source may be classed as a moped if it
meets all the moped requirements and also does not meet
either the definition of an electric assisted bicycle as
defined in ORS 801.258 or a motor assisted scooter as
defined in ORS 801.348.
(ORS 801.345)
An electric assisted bicycle:
- is designed to be
operated on the ground on wheels;
- has a seat or
saddle for use of the rider;
- is designed to
travel with not more than three wheels in contact with
the ground;
- has both fully
operative pedals for human propulsion and an electric
motor; and
- is equipped with an
electric motor that has a power output of not more
than 1,000 watts and is incapable of propelling the
vehicle at a speed of greater than 20 miles per hour
on level ground.
(ORS 801.258)
An electric personal mobility device:
- is self-balancing
on two tandem wheels;
- is designed to
transport one standing person;
- has an electric
motor; and
- has a maximum speed
of 15 miles per hour.
(ORS 801.259)
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Oregon Motorized Scooter Pocket
Bike Reference Guide.
Adobe PDF
Format.
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Related Information
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