Electric Scooters are legal - within the relevant regulations
As of 2026, Oregon regulates electric scooters under the classification of Motor Assisted Scooters (ORS 801.348).
The state provides a specific legal framework that treats these devices similarly to bicycles in many traffic contexts but imposes stricter requirements regarding age, speed limits, and safety equipment.
While statewide definitions exist, local jurisdictions like Portland and Eugene have established additional rules regarding sidewalk use and parking.
State-level classification and definition
Under ORS 801.348, a vehicle is defined as a motor assisted scooter if it meets the following technical criteria:
Design: A vehicle that is designed to be operated on the ground with not more than three wheels and has a foot support or seat for the operator.
Power: If electric, the motor output must not exceed 1,000 watts (1 kilowatt).
Speed: The device must be equipped with a power source that is incapable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 24 mph on level ground.
Exclusion: Devices with motors larger than 1,000 watts or capable of speeds exceeding 24 mph may be reclassified as mopeds or motorcycles, requiring registration and licensing.
Licensing and age requirements
License: No driver’s license or specialized permit is required to operate a motor assisted scooter in Oregon (ORS 807.020).
Minimum Age: Operators must be at least 16 years of age to legally operate an electric scooter on any public way (ORS 814.512).
Registration: Electric scooters are exempt from titling and registration requirements at the state level.
Performance and equipment limits
To be street-legal in Oregon, a scooter must adhere to the following operational and safety standards:
Speed: While a scooter may be capable of 24 mph, it is illegal to operate it at a speed greater than 15 mph on any public road or path (ORS 814.512).
Brakes: A functional braking system is mandatory to ensure the operator can perform a controlled stop.
Night Lighting: For use during limited visibility or after dark, the device must have a white front lamp (visible from 500 feet) and a red rear light or reflector (visible from 600 feet).
Passengers: Carrying passengers is strictly prohibited; scooters are designed for a single operator only (ORS 814.530).
Operational rules and permitted areas
Operators generally possess the same rights and duties as bicyclists, with specific lane restrictions (ORS 814.510).
Roadways: Permitted on roadways where the speed limit is 25 mph or less. Riders must stay as far to the right as practicable.
Bike Lanes: If a bicycle lane or path is adjacent to the roadway, the operator must use it unless local laws prohibit such use (ORS 814.514).
Sidewalks: Riding on sidewalks is prohibited statewide, except to enter or leave adjacent property.
Crosswalks: Operators must walk their scooters across crosswalks; motorized operation in a crosswalk is illegal unless the rider has a disability (ORS 814.528).
Helmet laws
Mandatory: Unlike bicycle laws, which only mandate helmets for minors, Oregon law requires all operators of motor assisted scooters to wear protective headgear regardless of age (ORS 814.534). Standard: The helmet must be an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet that meets federal safety standards.
Disclaimer: Bo USA Inc. endeavours to keep these documents up to date and relevant, however does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the included findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States. Always carry out secondary research to validate any statement - and refer directly to the relevant authority before presuming accuracy.
Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin riding electric scooters should refer to their local governments to obtain the most up-to-date information on the applicable, local legal standing of scooters.
The Bo Model-M: Since the electric scooter is legal in Oregon, it is worth investing in a vehicle that is going to have a real integrity and quality to its manufacture. This means it will bring you pleasure every time you use it.
To that end, it is interesting to know that Bo is the only electric scooter designed and engineered by a team of real car guys. Where the rest of the scooter industry took plasticky toys and ruggedised them, we started with a blank sheet of paper to develop the best vehicle in the world for local journeys.
Of course, you can only really feel the benefit of that when you ride it for yourself; that is why we give an extraordinary 60 day return policy and have a customer response team full of the engineers who made it. When you contact Bo, you're going straight to the source.
Visit the Model M page - click here
Learn more about how we made the 'M' - click here
Go watch a Youtube about the Model-M - click here
Return to the State-by-State regulation page - click here
