The Keizer Police Department has received an increasing number of inquiries about motorized scooters.  Prior to the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 173-C, the Oregon law failed to define what a motor assisted scooter was, or provide a legal framework in regulating motorized scooters. Because of a lack of a clear definition in, motor assisted scooters had been treated as motor vehicles.

As of January 01, 2002, Oregon Legislation has assisted law enforcement by giving a clear definition of what a motorized scooter is along with rules and regulations.

SB 173 amends the definition of an “electric assisted bicycle” and defines a motorized scooter as:

• Designed to be operated with not more than three wheels
• Has handlebars and a foot support or seat
• Can be propelled by motor or human propulsion
• Is equipped with a power source that is incapable of traveling more than
  24MPH
• Has a displacement of 35cc’s or less, or not more than 1,000 watts
• Exempts the operator from license, registration or insurance requirements
  SB 173 created new provisions and amended ORS 801.345, 803.305, 806.020, 807.020, 811.050 and 811.440 relating to operation of a motor assisted scooter. 13 new violations exist.

They are:

1. Unlawful Operation of a Motor Assisted Scooter
   • Operator must be at least 16 years of age
   • Scooter cannot exceed 15 MPH
2. Failure of a Motor Assisted Scooter Operator to use Bicycle Lane or
   Path
   • Must operate the motor assisted scooter on a bicycle lane or path if
   one is available
3. Improper Operation of a Motor Assisted Scooter
   • Operates the motor assisted scooter on a highway with speed limit
   designated greater than 25 MPH unless operating on a bicycle lane
   or path or crossing another roadway
4. Improper Operation of a Motor Assisted Scooter in a Lane
   • Operates the motor assisted scooter on a roadway at less than the
   normal speed of traffic and does not ride as close as practicable to
   the right curb or edge of the roadway except when overtaking or
   turning
5. Failure to Signal for a Motor Assisted Scooter Maneuver
   • Stops or turns without giving appropriate hand signals
   continuously for 100 feet unless both hands are required for safe
   operation
6. Unsafe Operation of a Motor Assisted Scooter on a Sidewalk
   • Suddenly leaves a place of safety and moves into the path of a
   moving vehicle
   • Fails to give audible warning before overtaking and passing a
   pedestrian or does not yield right of way to all pedestrians on
   sidewalk
   • Operates the motor assisted scooter in a careless manner or
   endangers or likely endangers persons or property
   • Operates motor assisted scooter at a speed greater than a walk
   when approaching crosswalk, driveway, curb cut.
7. Unsafe Operation of a Motor Assisted Scooter on a Bicycle Lane or
   Path
   • Fails to give audible warning before overtaking and passing
   pedestrians or fails to yield right of way to all pedestrians
8. Operation of a Motor Assisted Scooter in a Crosswalk
   • Fails to walk the motor assisted scooter in a crosswalk (except
   disabled persons operating motorized wheelchairs)
9. Carrying Passenger on a Motor Assisted Scooter
   • Carries another person on the scooter
10. Operation of Motor Assisted Scooter with Unlawful Load
    • Carries a package, bundle or article that prevents the operator from
    keeping at least one hand on the handlebars or maintaining full
    control
11. Failure of a Motor Assisted Scooter Operator to Wear Protective
    Headgear
    • Operates a motor assisted scooter a highway or premises open to
    the public and does not wear protective headgear. NOTE: There
    is no age limitation
12. Endangering a Motor Assisted Scooter Operator
    • Is the parent or has legal responsibility for child under 16 years and
    authorizes or knowingly permits the child to operate a motor
    assisted scooter who is less than 16 years of age
13. Violation of Motor Assisted Scooter Equipment Requirements
    • Is the parent or has legal responsibility for a child under 16 years
    and authorizes or knowingly permits a child under 16 years to
    operate a motor assisted scooter in violation of this section
    • Operates a motor assisted scooter during limited visibility
    conditions and the motorized scooter or operator does not use the
    following lighting equipment equipped on the scooter:
    White light visible 300 feet to the front and sides; red reflector
    or light visible 500 feet to the rear by low-beam headlights and
    a white or yellow reflector or light visible 200 feet to the rear

If you have any questions please call the Keizer Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

Officer D. LeDay
Traffic Safety Unit
Keizer Police Department