Springfield’s Development and Public Works Department, together with the Springfield Police Department, Willamalane Park and Recreation District, and Springfield Public Schools, has launched a citywide safety campaign aimed at informing residents about the difference between legal e‑bikes and prohibited e‑motos.
Why the campaign matters
Under Oregon law, any two‑wheeled vehicle that can exceed 20 mph using a throttle is classified as an e‑moto. Unlike electric‑assist bicycles, e‑motos are not permitted on public streets, sidewalks or shared paths within Springfield. City officials say they have observed a noticeable increase in e‑moto use and have received community concerns about riders traveling at high speeds in pedestrian areas.
City officials weigh in
During a recent City Council meeting, Councilor Alan Stout highlighted the growing safety issue. “I know that our police chief does a great job looking at e‑bikes and also the speed and where they are operating,” Stout said. “But I just want us all to be aware about how it is a bit more pernicious than we might think, and that it is causing upsets to many of our neighbors, many of our friends, and a lot of people have very justly raised safety concerns about e‑bikes.”
Springfield Police Deputy Chief George Crolly echoed the concern, noting that younger riders are especially drawn to the fast‑moving vehicles. “We’ve seen more young people riding these vehicles, and we want to ensure they understand the rules before someone gets hurt,” Crolly said. “When officers encounter e‑moto riders, we’ll use those interactions to educate them about where these vehicles can and cannot be ridden.”
How the information will be shared
The campaign includes a concise handout that outlines Oregon’s three e‑bike classifications and explains why e‑motos fall outside the legal definition. The city plans to distribute the material through multiple channels: online on the city website, in neighborhood newsletters, and at community events.
Springfield Public Schools will incorporate the handout into communications with students and families, emphasizing the importance of obeying local traffic rules. Willamalane Park rangers will hand out the flyers when they encounter e‑moto riders in park areas, and police officers will do the same during routine patrols.
Tracking complaints
In a related effort, the Eugene Police Department announced in June that it will begin tracking e‑bike and e‑moto complaints with a new reporting tool. The data will help pinpoint locations where illegal riding is occurring, allowing both agencies to focus enforcement and education where it is needed most.
What residents can do
City leaders encourage anyone who sees an e‑moto being used illegally to report the incident to the Springfield Police Department’s non‑emergency line. By working together, officials say the community can keep streets, sidewalks and shared paths safe for pedestrians, cyclists and families alike.
For more information, residents can visit the city’s official website or pick up a copy of the handout at the Springfield Public Library, the Willamalane Park office, or any participating school.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
