In a decisive move to enhance the safety of electric bicycle riders, the Oregon House has unanimously passed House Bill 4103, aimed at revising the state's outdated e-bike regulations. This milestone legislation was inspired by the tragic loss of 15-year-old Trenton Burger, who was fatally struck by a van while riding his e-bike in Bend last June. This event has propelled lawmakers into action, with the bill being introduced by Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend, and now advancing to the Oregon Senate.
Addressing her peers during the bill's passage, Rep. Levy underscored the gravity of their mission, "One of the most important things we do on this floor is bear witness," as reported by OPB. The bill proposes three classifications for electric bikes, detailing maximum speeds and operational modes, and implements age and licensing requirements for riders. When the original law was 27 years old, the proposed updates intended to better regulate the burgeoning e-bike landscape in Oregon.
The distinct categories for electric bicycles under the bill include Class 1 bikes that assist only when pedaling and cease motor aid at 20 mph, Class 2 that can propel without pedaling with the same speed limit, and Class 3 that also require pedaling but extend motor assistance up to 28 mph and include a speedometer. Significantly, the law would restrict the use of e-bikes to individuals under 16 unless they possess a driver's license or permit. This is seen as a compromise from Levy's initial proposition, which sought to allow any age to operate Class 1 e-bikes.
Complementing the passage of House Bill 4103, the legislature is also examining House Bill 4067, which looks to assemble a task force to recommend e-bike, scooter, and moped regulations by the end of 2024. As detailed in a Central Oregon Daily report, a $200,000 budget accompanies this bill, which is still subject to the approval of the Joint Ways and Means Committee.
While celebrating the progress of the e-bike legislation, Marilyn Fleener, chief of staff for Rep. Levy, disclosed challenges in expanding access to younger riders. Fleener told KTVZ, "We wanted to expand access to Class 1 e-bikes to those under 16, but the Joint Committee on Transportation was unable to agree on enforcement mechanisms." Levy herself is committed to refining these policies into 2025 to safely broaden e-bike utilization. As the Oregon Senate takes up the baton, lawmakers are poised to move forward swiftly on these critical safety measures that bear the weighty memory of a young life lost.
