Local agencies urge e-bike safety amidst increase in accidents

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Local agencies are issuing a community-wide reminder about e-bike safety and laws as warmer weather increases the number of road users. This alert follows a significant rise in e-bike crashes and patient injuries in the area.

The Bend Police Department, in collaboration with Bend Fire & Rescue, Bend-La Pine Schools, Bend Park & Recreation District, St. Charles Health System and the Old Mill District, is highlighting the importance of traveling safely. Over the past year, Bend Fire medics responded to 38 e-bike crashes. St. Charles treated 83 patients with e-bike injuries in 2025, an increase from 63 in 2024. The trend is continuing, with St. Charles reporting that e-bike injury patient volume is 50% higher in 2026 than in 2025.

Oregon law currently states that individuals must be age 16 or older to legally ride an e-bike, though Oregon HB 4007 changes this legal age effective Jan. 1, 2027. E-bikes are not permitted on sidewalks and riders must obey all traffic laws, including riding on the correct side of the road and stopping at stop signs and red lights. Many vehicles marketed as e-bikes are electric motorcycles that can travel more than 40 mph and are not legal on city roads or trails.

Dr. Jon Roberts, a trauma doctor with St. Charles Health System, noted the severity of injuries being treated. "E-bikes are a great way to get around and enjoy Central Oregon, but we are seeing more patients come to the emergency department with serious injuries after crashes," Roberts said. "These injuries continue to increase. These injuries can be as simple as a broken bone, but they are often much more severe, including internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and even death." Roberts emphasized basic safety, stating that a helmet is crucial for reducing injury risk. He also advised riders to ride predictably, follow rules, stay alert to traffic and never ride while intoxicated.

Agencies are urging adults, particularly parents, to understand and follow e-bike regulations. They caution against allowing children to ride electric motorcycles that reach high speeds, citing an incident where a 14-year-old rider in Orange County, Calif., struck and killed an 81-year-old man, leading to involuntary manslaughter charges for the child's mother. Parents are advised not to purchase e-bikes for children if they are not legally old enough to ride them.

Bend-La Pine Schools do not permit e-bikes on elementary or middle school campuses because students attending those schools cannot legally ride them. Bend Park & Recreation District (BPRD) allows pedal-assisted e-bikes in parks and on trails, but throttle e-bikes are restricted to roads or parking areas. Julie Brown, BPRD Community Engagement Director, addressed common feedback from park users. "The number one thing we hear from our park and trail users is that they want e-bike riders to slow down," Brown said. "We want all of our residents and visitors to enjoy their time in our parks and on our trails and that means sharing trails and pathways and being aware of everyone's safety."

The Old Mill District, which is private property, is implementing speed calming measures on its trails and at property entrances to reduce e-biker speeds. The district can trespass riders who do not comply with its rules.

Sheila Miller, Bend Police Communications Manager, acknowledged the community's concerns. "We've all heard from concerned community members who want us to address the issue of e-bikes on our roads," Miller said. "But our agencies can't solve this problem alone. We need the public's help." The City of Bend offers a guide for navigating roundabouts on an e-bike. Commute Options provides an e-bike safety course and Visit Bend has a comprehensive guide on where various e-bike types are permitted.

When considering an e-bike purchase, research is advised because many electric vehicles currently on roads are not street legal. If a vehicle lacks pedals, it is not an e-bike. Class one and Class two e-bikes have motor cut-offs at 20 mph, while Class three e-bikes stop assisting at 28 mph. Vehicles with larger motors and advertised speeds above 28 mph are classified as electric dirt bikes or motorcycles and are not allowed on roads.

Both Bend Park & Recreation District and the Old Mill District plan to place signs along trails this summer to remind users, including locals and tourists, to reduce speed and follow rules for safety.