Wednesday, September 23, 2026 / Springfield
In Springfield, a throttle over 20 mph changes the rules completely
A new education campaign says e-motos are motorcycles, not e-bikes, and cannot use Springfield streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, paths or school property.
Twenty miles an hour is the line that turns a throttle-powered vehicle from an e-bike into an e-moto in Springfield. If it can propel itself faster than that with the throttle, city and school officials say it is an electric motorcycle — even when it has pedals or parts that look like pedals.
The distinction changes where the vehicle can go. Springfield Public Schools says e-motos are not allowed on public streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, multi-use paths, other public areas or school property. Legal Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can use Willamalane multi-use paths; Class 3 e-bikes cannot. Thurston Hills' designated mountain-bike trails allow Class 1 e-bikes only.
Springfield, its police department, Willamalane and the school district launched the education campaign after seeing more e-moto use, especially among younger riders. Police say the first approach will be education. For unsafe or illegal riding happening now, the district directs people to Springfield Police's non-emergency line at 541-726-3714.
Field notes
What changed: Springfield agencies launched a coordinated campaign explaining the legal line between e-bikes and e-motos and where each can be ridden.
Why it matters: Vehicles sold or described as e-bikes can actually be e-motos, leaving families with a fast vehicle that is illegal on the public routes where they expected to use it.
Who may be affected: Riders, parents, students, bike buyers, pedestrians, drivers and people using Willamalane paths and Thurston Hills trails.