Electric off-road motorcycles terrorize Estacada

Published 12:28 pm Tuesday, February 17, 2026

A fast, quiet, and unexpected motorized menace has descended upon Estacada.

The Estacada Fire District has fielded “countless close calls” in recent weeks involving drivers and pedestrians stumbling upon electric off-road motorcycles. Now firefighters are trying to spread awareness and warn folks to prevent a life-changing crash before it happens.

If you are riding an off-road motorcycle on public roads, you must follow rules like stop signs, right-of-way, proper signaling, speed, and being visible. Motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear a helmet, and Oregon law requires lighted headlights at all times when on the road, whether day or night.

Most off-road electric motorcycles are also not street legal unless they are properly equipped and registered.

This is a growing problem across the country:

E-bike injuries increased from 751 (2017) to 23,493 (2022). Head injuries were also 49-times higher over that 5-year span.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said 233 deaths were tied to a crash/incident involving an e-bike in 2022.

“Bottom line — have fun, but ride responsibly,” the Estacada Fire District wrote. “One reckless decision can become a tragedy in seconds.”