Mini Motorbikes and Scooters FAQs

Are pocket bikes, mini-choppers or mini-motorcycles legal on Oregon public roads?

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.

But don't some of these vehicles fit the legal definition of a motorcycle?

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.

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.
 

What about scooters, mopeds, electric assisted bicycles and personal mobility devices?

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.
 

Which motor-assisted scooters, mopeds, electric assisted bicycles and personal mobility devices are legal on public roads in Oregon?

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)