QuickTake:
As e-bikes and electric scooters have become more common in Eugene, so have complaints about unsafe use, as have concerns around electric motorcycles and mopeds, referred to as e-motos, which are not allowed in bike lanes and on shared paths. Police plan to do more enforcement.
Dorene Morris was riding a nonelectric bike in Alton Baker Park on the afternoon of Thursday, June 4. A former runner, she frequently walks and rides on the bike path. When it comes to electric bikes, she sees a lack of respect for those going at slower speeds on the path.
“They’re just flying by, which, you know, people are walking with their dogs or riding bikes, and even if they give you some kind of signal that they’re coming, it’s just like you don’t even have time to react sometimes, because they’re going so fast,” Morris said.
The Eugene Police Department has a new tool for community members to report speeding and reckless behavior on e-bikes and electric scooters, as well as illegal use of electric motorcycles and mopeds, referred to as e-motos, which are not allowed on bike paths and in bike lanes.
The reports, which can be made at epd.mypdconnect.com, allow police to track complaints and pinpoint locations where the behavior is happening.
“This will help us collect data so we can focus our high visibility enforcement actions in the right areas in our city and, more importantly, during the right days and times,” department spokesperson Melinda McLaughlin told Lookout Eugene-Springfield. “We are encouraging everyone to report what they are seeing both on the streets and in our parks so we can address the issues.”
She said community members are encouraged to upload photos and videos with their reports.
“A big part of this is public education,” McLaughlin said in an email.
A runner on the Ruth Bascom Riverfront Path at Alton Baker Park in Eugene, June 4, 2026. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
What are the rules around e-bikes?
Electric-assist bicycles operate by pedaling, but the rider gets a boost from an electric motor. Some e-bikes have a throttle, which allows the rider to use the motor to propel the bike without pedaling.
A law passed in 2024 created three classifications of e-bikes, and if a bike goes faster than 20 mph with a throttle, then it’s an e-moto.
E-bikes that fall into one of the classes are considered “bicycles” under Oregon law and can be ridden in bike lanes and on shared-use paths, and no license or permit is required. They cannot, however, be ridden on sidewalks. On shared-use paths, bikes and e-bikes can travel up to 12 mph when others are present and a maximum of 20 mph.
If an electric-powered bike doesn’t fall into one of the classes, it’s not a legal e-bike in Oregon. Those are referred to as e-motos, or electric motorcycles or mopeds. They are not allowed on shared paths or bike lanes and, unless registered with the DMV, can be ridden only on private property and off-highway vehicle areas. Eugene police noted riders should be aware of the device they’re buying as some e-motos can be mislabeled as e-bikes.
Analog bikes and e-bikes share the Ruth Bascom Riverfront Path at Alton Baker Park in Eugene, June 4, 2026. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
‘They’re everywhere now‘
On a recent weekday afternoon on the bike paths near Alton Baker Park, e-bikes were just as prevalent as nonmotorized bikes.
“They’re everywhere now, but they don’t really bother me,” said Ryan Schock, a 24-year-old Eugene resident who was walking his dog.
The 72-year-old Morris understands why people want to use e-bikes, but to her, the bike path is a casual environment, “and just to have those, it’s almost like road speeds … that they’re going, I’m like, no, you shouldn’t be on here going that fast.”
E-bike riders who spoke with Lookout Eugene-Springfield stressed the benefits of electric-assist bicycles in aiding mobility and offering an alternative to driving a car.
“Everybody should have one,” e-bike rider Michelle Lewis said. “They’re super fun. And they’re becoming affordable.”
Lewis purchased her e-bike in November and uses it for personal transportation and to work as a courier. A former cyclist and bike safety instructor, she’s had two knee surgeries and can no longer ride the hills or distances she used to. For new e-bike riders, she suggested being aware of the learning curve.
“Because you’re going to go really fast, really quick,” the 44-year-old Eugene resident said. “And so just being aware of your surroundings. Wear your helmet. And just be careful.”
Jeff Tague has ridden about 7,200 miles on his Freego electric bike in a year and a half. He said he considered buying a Mantis electric dirt bike, which doesn’t have pedals.
“I knew I’d get in trouble, so I played it smart, got this and saved 1,500 bucks,” Tague said, noting his bike can go up to about 20 mph.
He said it’s important to maintain the speed limit on the paths, “because any faster than that and somebody could get hurt.”
Issac Wasserman contributed to this report.