E-bikes in Oregon State Parks, ocean shore

Electric-assisted bicycle at Champoeg State Park.

As of July 1, 2025, new electric-assisted bicycle (e-bike) rules went into effect at Oregon State Parks and along the ocean shore. 

Where can you ride an e-bike?

In most parks, the rule is simple: if bikes aren’t allowed, e-bikes aren’t either. Allowed areas could include:

  • Paved or unpaved multi-use trails.
  • Campgrounds and park roads.
  • Some beaches, only on wet sand—and only in areas that aren’t closed for safety or environmental protection.

Check for posted signs and follow park-specific guidance.

Where are e-bikes not allowed? 

To protect sensitive areas and wildlife or to reduce risk to other visitors, there are areas where e-bikes are not allowed at all.

E-bikes are strictly prohibited in:

  • Dry sand, everything above the firm, wet sand near the waves, including soft sand, dunes (with and without vegetation), and the line where seaweed and debris wash up.
  • Snowy plover management areas during nesting season, including wet sand (March 15–Sept. 15). 
  • Other marked wildlife or resource protection zones.

Additionally, these parks have added their own e-bike limits for safety, trail design or environmental reasons. E-bikes are prohibited at the following trails and parks:

What qualifies as an e-bike?

In Oregon, an e-bike falls into one of the following categories:

  • Class 1 – These provide pedal-assist only, meaning the motor kicks in while you’re pedaling and stops helping at 20 mph.
  • Class 2 – These have a throttle and can run with or without pedaling, but the motor also cuts off at 20 mph.
  • Class 3 – These provide pedal-assist only, but the motor stops helping at 28 mph.

E-bikes that don’t meet these classifications, or have been modified so they no longer qualify, are considered motor vehicles and are not allowed on Oregon State Parks trails and beaches (unless the beach is open to motor vehicles).

Read the state law (ORS 801.258) for more information on how e-bikes are defined in Oregon.

Trail etiquette

Keep it kind out there:

  • Yield to pedestrians, horses and slower users.
  • Announce yourself when passing ("On your left")
  • Ride at a safe, controlled speed, especially on corners or in high-use areas
  • Slow down near pets, children and equestrians
  • Stay on designated trails: do not ride off-trail
  • Be prepared to stop: e-bikes are heavier and often faster than regular bikes so increase your following distance to allow for more time to stop and slow down.

Why the update?

With more e-bikes on the trails and beaches, our old rules needed updating. The state also redefined the legal classification of e-bikes. Our updates make expectations clearer for everyone and improve access where it makes sense. Riding e-bikes can open more of Oregon’s beauty to more people—but only if we all ride responsibly. Stay on allowed trails, respect beach and wildlife closures, and when in doubt, check the signs or ask a ranger.

Want more details?

Read the full rule summary here.