FAQs

Motorcycles Mopeds and Scooters

• What is a motorcycle?
  • Has a saddle or a seat for the driver.
  • Is designed to be ridden on 2 or 3 wheels.
  • Has a motor displacement of 50cc's or more.
  • Must be licensed and insured
• Who can ride a motorcycle?
  • Driver must be 16 years or older.
  • Driver must possess a valid driver's license and motorcycle endorsement.
• What is a moped?
  • Has a saddle or a seat for the driver.
  • Is designed to be ridden on 2 or 3 wheels.
  • Has a motor displacement of more than 35cc's and less than 50cc's
  • It is equipped with a power drive system that functions directly or automatically only and does not require clutching or shifting by the operator after the system is engaged
  • It cannot go faster than 30 mph on a flat surface.
  • Must be licensed and insured.
• Who can ride a moped?
  • Driver must be 16 years or older
  • Driver must possess a valid driver's license.
• What is a scooter?
  • Has a handlebar and a foot support or a sear for the driver
  • Can be propelled by motor or human propulsion.
  • Has a motor displacement of 35cc's or less.
  • Cannot go more than 24 mph on level ground.
• Who can ride a scooter?
  • The driver must be 16 years or older.
  • The driver must be eligible to possess a valid driver's licence.
• What is an electric personal assistive mobility device?
  • Is self-balancing on two non-tandem wheels.
  • Is designed to transport one person in a standing position.
  • Has an electric propulsion system
  • Has a maximum speed of 15 mph
  • It can be ridden on the sidewalk
• What is an electric assisted bicycle?
  • Is designed to be operated on the ground on wheels.
  • Has a seat or saddle for use of the rider.
  • Is designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.
  • Has both fully operated pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor.
  • Is equipped with an electronic motor that has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.
  • Is incapable of speed of greater than 20 mph.
  • It can be ridden on the sidewalk unless prohibited by City Ordinance.
  • The driver must obey the motor vehicle laws pertaining to bicycles.
• What is ILLEGAL?

  Most "Mini Motorcycles" or "Pocket Bikes" do not fit into the same category as motor-assisted scooters.

  These vehicles are not manufactured to operate on the roads and are not equipped to meet US DOT Safety Standards. Manufacturers of the vehicles do not provide manufacturer's certificate of origin or standardized 17 digit vehicle identification numbers or VIN's

  Unless proof is provided to show these vehicles meet the US DOT equipment and safety standards, they cannot be titled and registered and should not be operated on roads or highways. These are off-road use only vehicles.

  Other Important Facts

  • A motorcycle, moped and scooter cannot be ridden on the sidewalk.
  • The driver and passenger of a motorcycle must be wearing an ODOT approved helmet.
  • The driver of a moped must be wearing an ODOT approved helmet.
  • The driver of a scooter must be wearing an approved bicycle helmet.
  • A scooter can be driven on the side of roadways with speed limits of 25 mph or less. A scooter can be operated on a roadway with a speed limit over 25 mph as long as the roadway has marked bike lane for the scooter to travel in.
  • Motorized scooters cannot be ridden in public parks, other than on designated roadways.
  • Scooters must be walked across crosswalks.
  • By City Ordinance they cannot be ridden on the river levee (City Ordinance 3409, Section 19D)

  For more information call Pendleton Police Department (541) 276-4411 or the 24 Hour Dispatch Center (541) 966-3650, Ext 1.