Expansion of e-bike access on Oregon trails, beaches considered in proposed amendment
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission proposed several changes to policies involving e-bikes in late February.
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Individuals are currently allowed to ride e-bikes on state trails that exceed a width of eight feet and on beaches where motor vehicles are permitted. The commission believes these rules could be expanded.
'With the popularity of e-assisted bike recreation increasing, the agency is finding that current rules do not clearly accommodate growing need and cause confusion among all visitors,' OPRC wrote.
In 2024, Oregon lawmakers approved a measure establishing three different classes of e-bikes — with the first two classes having a maximum speed of 20 mph and Class 3 having a maximum speed of 28 mph. House Bill 4103 went into effect this year, and legislators are now that would ban the full-throttle bikes from bike lanes, sidewalks and bike paths.
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Meanwhile, the Parks and Recreation Commission wants to amend pre-existing regulations so that e-bikes are allowed on any trail that allows other bicycles — instead of solely those that are at least eight feet wide.
The changes would also permit e-bikes on wet sand portions of recreation areas, among .
'In summary, this rulemaking seeks to better serve Oregonians and all park visitors by managing safe recreation. The proposed rules balance access to public lands for diverse recreation options while protecting the state's resources and existing recreation opportunities,' the commission said.
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According to , the potential changes are a result of a public survey in which residents weighed in on e-bike use statewide. The department also formed a 23-member Rules Advisory Committee that discussed policy updates throughout four different meetings.
Officials will accept public comments on the possible amendments through April 1.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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