E-Bike and Micromobility Device Information

Ordinance 2980 Adopted – Effective October 15, 2026

The Lake Oswego City Council has adopted Ordinance 2980, updating Chapter 32 of the Lake Oswego City Code to address bicycles, e-bikes, motor assisted scooters, electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMDs), powered micromobility devices, and devices that do not meet applicable legal classifications.

The ordinance takes effect October 15, 2026.

E-bikes and other micromobility devices provide convenient transportation and recreation options for people of different ages and abilities. As their use has increased, the City has also experienced concerns involving unsafe operation, conflicts with pedestrians and vehicles, and devices that have been modified or do not meet Oregon’s legal classifications.

The purpose of these changes is to support the lawful use of bicycles and micromobility devices while helping keep riders, pedestrians, motorists, and other community members safe. The updated code provides clearer rules about where devices may be used, how they must be operated, and how unsafe or unlawful use may be addressed.

This webpage provides information about the ordinance, Oregon law, safety considerations, and resources to help riders and families understand the rules.

What Does the New Ordinance Do?

The updated Chapter 32:

Adds and updates definitions for bicycles, e-bikes, motor assisted scooters, EPAMDs, powered micromobility devices, and noncompliant micromobility devices.
Establishes clearer rules for operation on streets, sidewalks, paths, trails, parks, and other public spaces.
Establishes safety standards addressing unreasonable speed and unsafe operation.
Requires riders to follow posted restrictions and trail designations.
Addresses unsafe parking and obstruction of sidewalks, paths, entrances, curb ramps, and other public areas.
Prohibits the public operation of devices that do not meet a lawful device or vehicle classification.
Provides enforcement and impoundment options when appropriate.
Allows the City to regulate or prohibit device use in particular locations through signs, traffic control devices, or administrative rules.

Where Can E-Bikes and Micromobility Devices Be Used?

Different devices have different rules. Riders should know what type of device they are operating and follow Oregon law, City Code, posted signs, traffic control devices, and trail designations.

Sidewalks

Electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) are prohibited on sidewalks.
Motor assisted scooters may be operated on sidewalks only where Oregon law permits.
EPAMDs and powered micromobility devices may be operated on sidewalks where lawful unless a sign, traffic control device, City rule, or other law prohibits or restricts their use.
These provisions do not restrict the lawful use of a motorized wheelchair or other mobility device used by a person with a mobility disability.

Paths, Trails, Parks, and Other City Property

Riders must obey posted restrictions, traffic control devices, and trail designations. The City may regulate or prohibit the use of bicycles and micromobility devices in specific locations through signage, traffic control devices, or administrative rules.

Ride Safely

The updated code requires riders to use due care and operate at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the conditions.

Riders should:

Slow down around pedestrians, children, animals, intersections, driveways, congested areas, and locations with limited visibility.
Yield to pedestrians and other lawful users when required.
Give an audible warning before passing pedestrians or other lawful users where required.
Leave adequate space when passing.
Avoid unsafe weaving, swerving, sudden turns, or movements between roadways, sidewalks, paths, or other travel areas.
Avoid wheelies, jumping, trick riding, or similar conduct when it creates an immediate risk to people or property.
Obey posted speed limits, restrictions, traffic control devices, and trail designations.

The ordinance does not prohibit trick or stunt riding simply because it is a trick. The concern is conduct that creates an immediate risk of collision, injury, or property damage.

Lights and Equipment

From sunset to sunrise, or when fog or other conditions make operation dangerous, bicycles and micromobility devices must have:

A front light visible from at least 1,000 feet; and
A rear red light or reflector visible from at least 1,000 feet.

Riders must also comply with any equipment requirements that apply to their particular device under Oregon law.

Passengers and Other Basic Rules

Do not carry an additional rider unless the bicycle or device is manufactured or equipped for more than one person.
Do not hold onto a moving vehicle while riding.
Riding alongside another bicycle or micromobility device is permitted only to the extent allowed by Oregon law and may not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
Bicycle or micromobility device races on public ways require a City permit and supervision.

Park Devices Responsibly

Bicycles and micromobility devices may not be left where they obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic or block:

Sidewalks or shared-use paths
Trails
Curb ramps
Driveways
Building entrances
Transit stops
Traffic control devices
Fire hydrants
Emergency access

Where designated bicycle or micromobility parking is provided, riders should use the designated area.

What Is a Noncompliant Micromobility Device?

A device may be considered a noncompliant micromobility device when it looks or operates like an e-bike, motor assisted scooter, EPAMD, or powered micromobility device but does not meet the applicable legal definition, classification, or equipment requirements.

Examples may include a device that:

Exceeds applicable speed, power, or weight limits;
Does not have required equipment or design features;
Does not have fully operable pedals when pedals are required;
Has been modified or configured to operate outside its legal classification; or
Otherwise does not meet the requirements for that type of device under Oregon law.

Noncompliant micromobility devices may not be operated on any street, sidewalk, path, trail, park, public right-of-way, or other public property within the City.

Some devices that do not qualify as e-bikes or micromobility devices may legally qualify as a moped, motorcycle, motor vehicle, or another vehicle type. If they do, they must meet and follow the licensing, registration, insurance, equipment, and operating requirements that apply to that vehicle classification.

Parents and Guardians

Parents, guardians, and others may not knowingly permit unlawful operation of a bicycle or micromobility device or allow a person to operate one when the person lacks the judgment or maturity necessary to operate it in a reasonably safe and careful manner without creating an unreasonable hazard to themselves or others.

Age, Helmets, and Oregon Law

The City ordinance does not create separate local age or helmet requirements. Oregon law continues to govern age, device classification, helmets, equipment, licensing, registration, insurance, endorsements, and other statewide requirements.

Oregon law changes again on January 1, 2027, when provisions of HB 4007 become operative. Among other changes, the legislation establishes the powered micromobility device category and changes certain age, helmet, and device-classification requirements.

Riders and parents should make sure they understand both the type of device being used and the rules that apply to that device.

Enforcement

The Lake Oswego Police Department’s goal is to promote education, voluntary compliance, responsible riding, and public safety. Depending on the circumstances, officers may use education, warnings, citations, or other appropriate enforcement options.

A violation of the updated Chapter 32 provisions is a Class C violation with a base fine of $165. The base fine increases to $500 when, within the preceding 12 months, the person has been found to have committed a prior violation of the section or its statutory or ordinance counterpart in another jurisdiction.

A bicycle or micromobility device may also be impounded in certain circumstances. This includes a device left on a highway, public right-of-way, or other public property for more than 24 hours, or a device parked or operated in violation of the code that obstructs pedestrian or vehicle traffic or otherwise endangers the public.

Ordinance Background and Resources

Chief Burke and Captain Simon presented the proposed Chapter 32 amendments to the City Council on July 21, 2026. The presentation explained the proposed changes, safety considerations, and the City’s approach to e-bike and micromobility use.

You can: