BEND, OR -- Central Oregon State Representative Emerson Levy is frustrated strong e-bike legislation failed in the short session. But says the bill that passed, defining classifications for electric bicycles, is a step forward. "What we needed to do first and foremost: let’s correct the law; clean up the law. Because, it’s very difficult to operate for our cities and our schools and our police departments, when the law is mud - or, is clear as mud," Levy tells KBND News, "We couldn’t build on anything until we did that."

Her original bill would've created an education program, allowed kids under 16 to ride Class One electric bikes, and imposed penalties for parents of kids who violate the law. But, she says, "Ultimately, there was conflict between the bill and some bike advocates in Portland who wanted more, and less restriction. And that was something I wasn’t willing to compromise on." She adds, "What we ran up against, frankly, is people who don’t live on our side of the mountains saying kids should be able to ride Class Two bikes without restriction and no fines or penalties for - essentially, no fines or penalties."

She named the bill Trenton’s Law, after a Bend teen who died in a crash; he was riding an e-bike underage. His parents testified in support of the stronger restrictions, "Until you experience a fatality, like our community has experienced, and God willing they won’t, it’s hard to really understand what we’re trying to do." 

Rep. Levy says she hopes to revisit the issue in 2025. She’s also looking into a California program where schools require a parking permit for bikes. It's a free sticker applied right to the bicycle, "Regardless of if it’s an e-bike or regular bike, that means you’ve had a safety class and your bike is approved within their limits."

Overall, the Democrat says she wants to help educate parents, "I want families to have conversations no different than, ‘is this cell phone appropriate for my kid?’ These are very powerful machines, and I know people are ignoring the law. So, if that is happening, really be aware of your child’s ability, their education and how well they can navigate the road." 

Photo: Rep. Emerson Levy carries HB 4103 to the House floor, Feb 27, 2024.