E-bikes in Oregon State Parks, ocean shore

Electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) are booming—and we get it. They’re fun, efficient, and help more people enjoy Oregon’s parks. 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.

Where can you ride?

In most parks, the rule is simple: if bikes aren’t allowed, e-bikes aren’t either—boost or no boost. Allowed areas could include:

• Paved or unpaved multi-use trails.
• Campground and park roads.
• 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, there are a few spots where e-bikes are not allowed.

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.

• Elijah Bristow State Park (all trails)
• Willamette Mission State Park (all equestrian trails and the Vision Trail)
• Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site (Riverside Trail)
• Emigrant Springs State Natural Area (Lewis and Clark Trail)

Follow signs and maps—they’re not just suggestions. Riding in these areas can disturb wildlife, damage habitat, and earn you more than a dirty look.

Trail etiquette

Keep it kind out there:

• Slow down when approaching others—especially hikers, pets and horseback riders.
• Yield to people on foot and anyone on four legs.
• Stay on designated routes—because shortcuts damage more than just plants.
• Whether on the trail or the beach, never ride through flocks of birds, and be sure to give other wildlife space.

Why the update?

With more e-bikes on the trails and beaches, our old rules weren’t cutting it. The state updated the legal definition of e-bikes and created three clear classes. We’ve now updated our park rules to match—making expectations clearer for everyone and improving access where it makes sense. Bottom line e-bikes open up more of Oregon’s beauty to more people—but only if we all ride responsibly. Stay on approved routes, 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.