E-Bikes

E-Bikes in Eugene

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) play an important role in Eugene's transportation landscape. They provide a low cost and energy efficient transportation option with low-to-no emissions. They also provide physical and health benefits. Using an e-bike to complete daily trips, such as to the store or to a place of work, is a great way to help the City meet its goals for reducing community fossil fuel use and greenhouse emissions. Growing in popularity, they also help the City meet its goal of increasing the use of active modes of transportation!

E-Bike FAQ

Why E-Bikes / Benefits of E-Bikes

Cheaper Than A Car: No need to pay for registration, insurance, or gasoline. Cost of maintenance and repairs is substantially lower for an e-bike than a car.
Low Barriers: No insurance, license or registration required. Reduces physical exertion, making it easier to carry cargo and/or children, ride uphill, and go further faster.
Low Emissions: E-Bikes emit approximately 96% less CO2 than gasoline-powered cars for the same distance traveled.
Health Benefits: Riding an e-bike provides moderate exercise, which in turn improves cardiovascular and heart health, increases muscle tone and metabolism, boosts the immune system, reduces stress, and contributes to quality sleep.

What is an E-Bike? / Types of E-Bikes

An e-bike is a bicycle that has an electric assist motor that makes riding easier. Different models of e-bikes offer different options for assistance, with the most common being either throttle or pedal assist. The maximum speed an e-bike can achieve via assistance provided by the electric motor is 20 MPH (H.R. 727 - 107th). Each e-bike model falls into one of three e-bike classifications, depending on the type of assistance integrated the bike and its speed capability.

Oregon State E-Bike Laws

Speed Limit: E-bikes may not exceed 20 MPH when being powered by the electric motor. It may exceed 20 MPH when being powered by human effort.
Minimum Age: Age minimum for e-bike riders is 16 years old.
Helmet Requirement: Helmets not required for e-bike riders.
License and Registration: Riding an e-bike does not require a license, insurance, or registration.
Where Allowed:
- Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on any roadway, lane, or path that traditional bicycles are allowed on, including shared-use paths.
- Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed in bike lanes or on shared-use paths and must travel in spaces that accommodate cars.
- No class of e-bike is allowed on sidewalks.

Eugene City Code

Where Allowed: Oregon State Law applies, with the additional restriction that class 1 and 2 e-bikes are resticted from the side paths in East Alton Baker Park (also known as the Whilamut Natural Area) while the electric motor is on and must follow electric micromobility speed limits. They are allowed on the main path section through the Whilamut Natural Area. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on any shared-use paths as they are not classified as bikes under Oregon legislation.

Map of Where Electric Micromobility Devices (Including E-Bikes) Are Allowed to Operate in East Alton Baker Park With the Electric Motor On

New EWEB Rebate Program!

EWEB is offering a new E-Bike Rebate Program as part of its Green Options Program! Residential electric customers with an active account, or authorized individuals under the account, are now eligible to receive a $300 rebate. The program allows for TWO rebates per household! The goal of the rebate program is to increase access to more affordable, zero emission electric bicycles and to support the community's commitment to transportation options. All types of e-bikes, including professional conversions, are currently eligible in the program. Learn more about the rebate program on the program website.

Registering and Insuring Your Bike

While it is not required to register or insure an e-bike, it is recommended. Registering your bike increases the likihood of it being recovered in case of theft.
Registry sites are free, convenient, and easy to use
- Bikeindex.org
- Project529.com

Insurance policies may be obtained through homeowner, renter, or motor vehicle insurance companies to help cover collisions, theft, and liability.
- Velosurance.com
- Markelinsurance.com/spoke/ebike
- Autohomeboat.com/insurance/ebikes

Shift to E-Bikes Workshops

Shift to e-bikes workshops were offered in April and May 2021 exploring the basics of e-bikes. Local e-bike experts covered topics such as:

Different types of e-bikes
Battery range and speed capabilities
The benefits of owning an e-bike
Cargo-carrying options
Key considerations when shopping for an e-bike

Recordings of the two workshops are available to watch online. While the content is the same, questions posed by guests to our knowledgeable local e-bike shop representatives vary between the two workshops.

Shift to E-Bikes: April 22, 2021

Shift to E-Bikes: May 4, 2021

Conversion of Traditional Bikes

Conversions are possible in some cases by adding a motor, battery and electric controls to a non-electric bike. Adding these elements, if done carefully and correctly, effectively transforms the non-electric bike into an electric one. This is a financially and environmentally friendly route. It can also be helpful for people who ride adaptive bikes.

Professionally installed electric bicycle conversions may qualify for EWEB’s E-Bike Rebate Program. See whether your bike qualifies for a professional conversion by getting it evaluated at one of the following local bike shops that offer conversion services [Note - Only conversions performed at one of the below listed shops may qualify for EWEB's Rebate Program]:

Eugene Electric Bicycles

Cyclized
Bike Friday