Teens as young as 14 years old will be allowed to operate certain e-bikes under a recently changed law.
On March 5, an amendment to HB 4007 passed the Senate with 28 “ayes.” The amendment changed the age of class 1 e-bike operation from 16 to 14. The changes to the bill also introduced a definition to the term “micromobility device,” and outlined fines imposed in accordance with regulations to that definition.
The staff measure summary of HB 4007 states that the amendment, “modifies the minimum age to operate Class 1 electric assist bicycles from 16 years old to 14 years old and sets the minimum age to operate motor-assisted scooters and electric personal assistive devices at 14 years old.”
The bill would also require riders under 16 to wear a safety helmet.
HB 4007 defines micromobility devices as a device that includes a propulsion system that can reach up to 28 miles per hour. This can include a number of different devices such as bikes, scooters or skateboards.
Class 1 e-bikes are currently defined as a bicycle with a motor that provides electrical power assistance while the cyclist is pedaling and doesn’t provide assistance over 20 miles per hour. A class 2 e-bike is defined as a bicycle that is activated with a throttle and doesn’t provide assistance over 20 miles per hour. A class 3 e-bike is defined as only providing assistance when the cyclist is pedaling and does not exceed 28 miles per hour.
Riders must still be over 16 years old to ride class 2 and 3 e-bikes.
The legislation also regulates the way micromobility devices are sold or leased. Those found to be involved in the improper sale or lease of an “imposter” bike will be committing a Class D traffic violation and could receive a fine of up to $250.
According to The Street Trust, Oregon has had an issue of “imposter bikes” with the capability of exceeding maximum safety requirements being distributed and marketed. This has resulted in “adverse safety outcomes,” or collisions.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, the number of injuries following collisions while using micromobility devices has been increasing since 2021. In 2025, Oregon hospitals and emergency rooms reported seeing 509 injuries from e-bike riders.
Those found to be selling or leasing new batteries or charging systems not in accordance with and properly accredited through lab testing will be in offense of a class D traffic violation. If a person is found to be selling or leasing and imposter vehicle that does not meet the statutory definition of a micromobility device, they may also receive a Class D traffic violation.
Lindsay Huber, executive director of the Street Trust, a local organization advocating for transportation safety and accessibility, said the amendment to the bill makes it easier for parents to select safer options for their children.
“We are incredibly happy with the passage of the bill, which is the culmination of a multiyear effort by The Street Trust and the Oregon Micromobility Network,” Huber says. “More and more of these devices are being bought and used in Oregon, and this bill will provide clarity about how they can be used safely in ways that complement other forms of active transportation.”
Huber also says that the amendment will create a larger conversation for 14 and 15-year-olds surrounding safety and will give retailers clearer expectations for which devices are and are not allowed to be sold and marketed.
Gov. Tina Kotek has yet to sign the amendment.
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Pretty useless legislation as is almost any rule around e-bikes. First of all there was no enforcement whether or not someone was 16 riding an e-bike. Who is policing it, who should be? It won’t be any different with a 14 year old either. Secondly there are too many classes of e-bikes that most people, myself included who can’t always tell if it’s a class one, two or three and now we have class four! Again who will enforce it, who should be? I’m not anti e-bike, I will probably own one someday, but having rules for them is a fool’s errand.