September 3, 2026, Tip Of The Week - National Preparedness Month (Photo) - 09/03/26

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
 

September is National Preparedness Month and a great reminder to prepare for the unexpected. Disasters and emergencies can strike anytime; sometimes leaving our communities without adequate aid for hours, days, or even weeks. Take time this month to review your emergency plans and supplies.

Due to potential local wildfires, storms, floods, or landslides it is recommended that all Oregonians be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks. For coastal residents, like Lincoln County, it is recommended to be “4 Weeks Cascadia Ready” in preparation for a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. This means your household has enough food, water, medical supplies, sanitation supplies, and other life-sustaining resources to meet your needs for at least four weeks. In a major disaster such as a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, supply chain, responders, and transportation would be disrupted. Our communities need to be prepared to take care of each other until assistance is available.
 

Be Informed

• Know about possible hazards that can occur where you live.
• Be familiar with local evacuation routes.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts through Lincoln Alerts.

Make an Emergency Plan

• Talk with family and friends about what to do, including if you’re not together during an emergency.
• Practice your plan at different times and on different days. What will you do if you are at home, work, school, or at another location?
• Plan to check on your neighbors or vulnerable community members and offer assistance if possible.

Build an Emergency Kit

• Create an emergency kit or update your existing one.
• Some supplies include:
  • at least 4 weeks supply of food and water for each person and any pets. Remember to include water for drinking, sanitation, and preparing meals if needed.
  • battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • flashlight
  • first aid kit
  • extra batteries
  • whistle (to signal for help)
  • dust mask (to help filter contaminated air) and face coverings
  • plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • manual can opener (for food)
  • local maps
  • cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

 More preparedness information and resources:

• Lincoln County Emergency Management – Plan and Prepare Resources
• Be Ready – Make a Plan
• Be Ready – Build a Kit
• CDC – Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Red Cross – How to Prepare for Emergencies
• Oregon Emergency Management – 2 Weeks Ready

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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August 27, 2026, Tip Of The Week - Back To School (Photo) - 08/27/26

BACK TO SCHOOL

Many families find themselves getting ready for back to school. With many public and private schools throughout Lincoln County, motorists need to remember to slow down near neighborhoods and schools.

How do I know when the school zone speed limit is active?

A school speed zone is in effect each morning and afternoon when school is in session, when children are walking to and from school, and when there’s a chance they may be present. The speed limit is 20 mph in a posted school zone between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on schooldays. If the school zone is equipped with a flashing yellow light(s), the speed limit is in effect when flashing.

These speed limits help keep children safe. Many of our schools include students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. With varying ages, heights, and abilities, a parked car can obscure students’ view of traffic and your view of them. Students may be distracted while stepping onto the roadway or forget to look before crossing the street. Driving at 20 mph will give you more time to react and avoid a collision. The following chart reveals the distance required to stop at specific speeds.

Traffic crashes are one of the deadliest hazards our children face. Let's do our part when we pass schools by slowing down, watching, and expecting the unexpected. Everyone needs to do their part to ensure the safety of our children.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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August 20, 2026, Tip Of The Week - ODOT Work Zones (Photo) - 08/20/26

ODOT WORK ZONES
 

As you gear up for that final summer road trip or just make your way home from work, you may run into roadwork and traffic delays. That may mean reduced speed limits and traffic delays in work zones. Did you know 4 out of 5 work zone crash victims are NOT the workers? It is actually the drivers and their passengers traveling through the work zone areas. Inattention and speed are the most common causes of work zone crashes.

Work zones are dangerous for everyone even when workers are not visible. That is why Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) lowers the speed limits in work zones. Exceeding work zone speed limits can be especially hazardous for numerous reasons:

• Traffic patterns may change day to day
• Roads may be rough, uneven or covered with debris
• Temporary lanes may be narrow with abrupt edges
• Roadside equipment may obstruct views

Commuters are often caught off guard by work zone hazards. Distracted driving and driving over the speed limit reduces the necessary reaction time to avoid a crash. When you see orange signs, cones, and barrels on the roadway, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION! Those are your clues to be prepared for unexpected obstacles and stopped or slowing cars. Slow down, stay alert, and avoid distractions.

For more information about work zone safety, go to ODOT's website at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Safety/Pages/Work-Zone.aspx  

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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August 13, 2026, Tip Of The Week - Encountering Bears In Your Community (Photo) - 08/13/26

ENCOUNTERING BEARS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Recently, there have been an increase in the number of bear encounters in our communities. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) urges Oregonians to respect wildlife and do their part to ensure that wildlife, including black bears, and people coexist. A bear's strongest sense is smell. This means everything from trash cans to grill drippings can bring them to your property.

Bears also have a great memory when it comes to food. They remember where they have found food before, including trash. Female bears will also pass this knowledge down to their young. Intentionally or accidentally feeding bears can negatively affect multiple generations of bears.

Feeding bears (intentionally or accidentally) will not only bring unwanted visitors to your community, but can also be harmful. Wildlife have specialized diets that coincide with seasonal changes. Food provided by humans can negatively impact their health, lead to conflict and safety issues with people, and in some cases, have fatal consequences for the animals. For the sake of Oregon's wildlife and their health, do not feed them.

Living responsibly with black bears is possible and it's up to everyone to do their part to keep people safe and bears wild. Follow these tips:

• Never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears, intentionally or unintentionally, will cause them to associate people with food. It is also against the law in Oregon (ORS 496.730).
• Secure food, garbage and recycling. Please ensure that your trash and dumpsters are secure from bears by using commercially available garbage cans, metal bars over dumpsters, fully enclosed trash storage, or by storing garbage inside. Take trash out immediately before pick-up, not the night before. Wash garbage cans with bleach to reduce their smell. Food waste is one of the strongest attractants for black bears and allowing bears access could qualify as illegal feeding if appropriate steps are not taken to prevent the issue.
• Remove bird feeders in bear habitat when bears are active. Birds have plenty of naturally available food sources during all seasons which is why some species migrate in winter. Bears can be food rewarded from bird seed and suet in feeders leading to habituation and food conditioning, destroyed birdfeeders, and public safety issues.
• Never leave pet food outdoors. This practice can easily attract bears and other wildlife, putting your pets and wildlife at risk.
• Clean and store grills after each use.
• Alert neighbors and ODFW to unusual bear activity (continued sightings during daylight hours, lack of wariness around people or pets, etc.).

Share these tips with your neighbors, friends and family. A community effort is vital to preventing problems with bears and situations like the one in Cottage Grove. One person who feeds or attracts bears, intentionally or not, can pose a risk to everyone in the neighborhood.

Find out more about living responsibly with black bears at https://myodfw.com/articles/help-keep-bears-wild.”

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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Fire Prevention, Preparedness Month And Annual Lincoln County Readiness Fair (Photo) - 08/12/26

FIRE PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS MONTH 
ANNUAL LINCOLN COUNTY READINESS FAIR

August is Fire Prevention Month, and September is National Preparedness Month. With heightened wildfire risks across Oregon, now is an important time for individuals and families to review and update their emergency plans. Preparedness is a shared responsibility—working together with relatives, neighbors, and community partners strengthens readiness and helps protect lives and property during wildfires or other disasters.

To support community preparedness, Lincoln County Emergency Management, NW Natural, and the City of Newport will host the annual Lincoln County Readiness Fair. The event is free, open to the public, and requires no registration. NW Natural will provide lunch for the first 300+ attendees and there will be raffles for preparedness kits and gear every 30 minutes.

Event Details

Saturday, September 12, 2026

11:00am - 2:00pm

Newport Recreation Center

225 SE Avery St, Newport, OR 97365

Raffles held throughout the event

This year’s raffle includes a variety of practical preparedness items, thanks in large part to funding from the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contributions Fund. Prizes include a pet go‑bag, vehicle emergency kit, LifeStraw® water filtration system, bucket toilet setup, portable emergency alert radio, and more. A Grand Prize drawing for a 72‑hour, two‑person go‑bag valued at $629 will take place at 2:00 p.m.

Exhibitors & Activities

Local and state public safety agencies and preparedness partners will be on site to answer questions, demonstrate emergency readiness techniques, and provide examples of kits, tools, and information. Attendees can:

• Bring a NOAA Weather Radio and learn how to program and operate it
• Sample emergency food options for your own go‑bag
• Explore water purification and sanitation solutions for post‑disaster scenarios
• Learn hands-on bleeding‑control techniques through Stop the Bleed
• Connect with volunteer organizations supporting disaster preparedness and response

For Local Media and Community Partners:

Media outlets and community organizations are encouraged to visit the

Lincoln County Readiness Fair website and National Preparedness Month website for outreach materials and information to assist in promoting preparedness efforts.

PREVENCIÓN DE INCENDIOS, MES DE LA PREPARACIÓN FERIA ANUAL DE PREPARACIÓN DEL CONDADO DE LINCOLN

Agosto es el Mes de la Prevención de Incendios y septiembre es el Mes Nacional de la Preparación. Con el aumento de los riesgos de incendios forestales en todo Oregón, este es un momento importante para que las personas y las familias revisen y actualicen sus planes de emergencia. La preparación es una responsabilidad compartida: trabajar juntos con familiares, vecinos y socios de la comunidad fortalece la preparación y ayuda a proteger vidas y propiedades durante los incendios forestales u otros desastres.

Para apoyar la preparación de la comunidad, la Oficina de Gestión de Emergencias del Condado de Lincoln, NW Natural y la ciudad de Newport organizarán la Feria Anual de Preparación del Condado de Lincoln. El evento es gratuito, abierto al público y no requiere inscripción. NW Natural ofrecerá almuerzo a los primeros 300 asistentes y habrá sorteos de kits y equipo de preparación cada 30 minutos.

Detales

Sábado, 12 de septiembre de 2026
11:00 a. m. - 2:00 p. m.
Centro Recreativo de Newport
225 SE Avery St, Newport, OR 97365

Se realizarán rifas durante todo el evento

La rifa de este año incluye una variedad de artículos prácticos para la preparación ante emergencias, gracias en gran parte al financiamiento del Fondo de Contribuciones Caritativas de la Tribu Siletz.

Los premios incluyen una mochila de emergencia para mascotas, un kit de emergencia para el auto, un sistema de filtración de agua LifeStraw®, un kit de baño con cubeta, una radio portátil de alerta de emergencia y más. El sorteo del gran premio, una mochila de emergencia para dos personas con provisiones para 72 horas valorada en 629 dólares, se llevará a cabo a las 2:00 p.m.

Expositores y actividades

Las agencias locales y estatales de seguridad pública, así como los socios en materia de preparación, estarán presentes para responder preguntas, demostrar técnicas de preparación para emergencias y ofrecer ejemplos de kits, herramientas e información. Los asistentes podrán:

•    Traer una radio meteorológica de la NOAA y aprender a programarla y usarla

•    Probar opciones de alimentos de emergencia para su propia mochila de emergencia

•    Explorar soluciones de purificación de agua y saneamiento para situaciones posteriores a un desastre

•    Aprender técnicas prácticas de control de hemorragias a través del programa “Stop the Bleed”

•    Conectarse con organizaciones de voluntarios que apoyan la preparación y respuesta ante desastres

Para los medios de comunicación locales y los socios comunitarios:

Media outlets and community organizations are encouraged to visit the

Lincoln County Readiness Fair website and National Preparedness Month website for outreach materials and information to assist in promoting preparedness efforts.

Se invita a los medios de comunicación y a las organizaciones comunitarias a visitar el

sitio web de la Feria de Preparación del Condado de Lincoln y el sitio web del Mes Nacional de la Preparación, donde encontrarán materiales de divulgación e información que les ayudarán a promover las iniciativas de preparación.

08.11.26 - Coffee With A Deputy - Lincoln City (Photo) - 08/11/26

QUARTERLY COFFEE WITH A DEPUTY – LINCOLN CITY

The next Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy event with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is just around the corner. Join us on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM for a cup of coffee at Pioneer Joe Coffee Company’s 51^st street location (869 SW 51st St., Lincoln City, OR 97367).

More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office partners with a local coffee shop in Lincoln County to provide a time, space, and coffee for community members to meet our team and share what’s on their minds. Coffee with a cop events are a friendly and relaxed way for our communities to connect with the deputies that serve them.
 

These events offer a unique opportunity for community members to directly engage with law enforcement, ask questions, voice concerns, and build positive relationships. Whether you're a regular coffee drinker or simply curious about the work of law enforcement, this is a chance to connect with our team on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.
 

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Lincoln, Tillamook, & Yamhill County Fire Agencies Deploy To The Brewer Fire – Rowe Creek Complex – West, In Deschutes And Jefferson Counties, In Central Oregon (sixth Deployment) (Photo) - 08/10/26

Lincoln County, — August 8, 2026 — This morning, the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board fulfilled a resource request from the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office by mobilizing Task Force 62 in support of the Brewer Fire - Rowe Creek Complex – West, in Central Oregon. located approximately 11.5 miles East of Madras, in Crook and Jefferson Counties, in Central Oregon.

Task Force #62 is comprised of units from Lincoln, Tillamook, and Yamhill Counties with the following resources.

Depoe Bay Fire (Lincoln Co.) - HB21 - (Type 3 Engine) (3 Firefighters)
Netarts-Oceanside Fire (Tillamook Co.) - E62 - (Type 3 Engine) (3 Firefighters)
Dayton Fire (Yamhill Co.) - BR6 - (Type 6 Engine) (2 Firefighters)
North Lincoln Fire (Lincoln Co.) - BR16 - (Type 6 Engine) (2 Firefighters)
Siletz Valley Fire (Lincoln Co.) - WT52 - (Water Tender) (2 Firefighters)
North Lincoln Fire (Lincoln Co.) - C-11 - (Task Force Leader) (1 Firefighter)

Personnel from Central Coast Fire are assisting by filling positions on various apparatus assigned to Task Force 62. The deployment is being led by Task Force Leader Chief Cody Heidt of North Lincoln Fire Rescue.
Task Force 62 departed Lincoln County this morning at 06:30 hours and is currently en route to the staging area in Prineville, Oregon. The task force is expected to arrive at approximately 12:00 hours and will be assigned to operational duties upon arrival.

The Brewer Fire – Rowe Creek Complex, which started on July 15, 2026, is one of several significant wildfires currently burning across Oregon. The complex is estimated at more than 357,895 acres, with structures threatened and additional resources continuing to support suppression efforts. Firefighters are expected to encounter challenging conditions, particularly as temperatures increase and dry conditions persist.
Task Force 62 may remain deployed for up to 14 days, depending on fire activity, operational needs, and the needs of the incident.

This deployment marks the sixth request for resources from Lincoln County fire agencies by the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) during the current period of heightened wildfire activity. The firefighters and apparatus assigned to Task Force 62 join personnel from across Oregon who are working to protect lives, property, communities, and natural resources as the statewide wildfire response continues.

On behalf of the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board, I want to recognize and thank the firefighters and partner agencies that continue to answer these requests for assistance. Their willingness to leave their home communities and serve wherever they are needed reflects the dedication and professionalism of our firefighters and the strength of Oregon's mutual aid system.

Even as Lincoln County resources are deployed throughout the state, our local fire agencies remain committed to maintaining emergency response capabilities here at home. At the same time, we ask residents and visitors to help reduce the potential for additional wildfire starts. Outdoor debris burning remains prohibited throughout Lincoln County, and everyone should use extreme caution with any activity that could produce a spark or ignite dry vegetation.

During periods of elevated fire danger, even a small spark can have significant consequences. Every preventable wildfire places additional demands on firefighting resources that are already heavily committed across the state. Every wildfire prevented helps protect our communities while allowing available resources to remain focused on the incidents already threatening lives and property.

The Lincoln County Fire Defense Board appreciates the continued support of our communities as our firefighters assist our fellow Oregonians. By remaining vigilant, following current fire restrictions, and taking personal responsibility for wildfire prevention, residents and visitors can make a meaningful difference.

Please keep the communities affected by these fires in your thoughts, particularly those who have been displaced or whose homes and livelihoods are threatened. We also ask you to keep the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, incident management teams, and support personnel who continue working long hours under difficult conditions in your thoughts as they work to protect communities across Oregon.

Lincoln, Linn, And Tillamook County Fire Agencies Deploy To East Evans Creek Road Fire, In Jackson County (fifth Deployment) (Photo) - 08/10/26

Lincoln County, — August 7, 2026 — On Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 05:00 am, the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board fulfilled a resource request from the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office to pre-position Task Force 52 to Sutherlin, Oregon, in Douglas County to bolster response in the area due to Red Flag warnings in the area.

Task Force #52 is comprised of units from Lincoln & Tillamook Counties with the following resources.

North Lincoln Fire (Lincoln Co.) - E-15 - (Type 3 Engine)
Central County Fire (Lincoln Co.) - HB-73 - (Type 3 Engine)
Newport Fire ( Lincoln Co.) - BR-31 - (Type 6 Engine)
Seal Rock Fire (Lincoln Co.) - BR-62 - (Type 6 Engine)
Tillamook Bay Fire (Tillamook Co.) - WT-71 - (Water Tender)
North Lincoln Fire (Lincoln Co.) - C-1 - (Task Force Leader)

The deployment is being led by Task Force Leader Chief Rob Dahlman of North Lincoln Fire & Rescue.

Task Force 52 departed Lincoln County early Thursday morning at 05:00 hours and arrived at its pre-positioning location in Sutherlin at approximately 09:00 hours. The task force was initially assigned to pre-position in the area, allowing resources to respond rapidly to any new wildfire starts with the goal of containing incidents while they are still small and before they can threaten communities. Pre-positioning assignments are typically a 72-hour commitment.

However, during the second day of the assignment, Task Force 52 was redirected from its pre-positioning mission to assist with the Wrights Spring Fire in Klamath County.
The Wrights Spring Fire experienced rapid growth following its start on August 5, 2026. Significant fire activity over the past day has increased the need for additional firefighting resources. The fire is currently estimated at 8,772 acres, and firefighters continue to face challenging conditions as suppression operations move forward.

With Task Force 52 now committed to the Wrights Spring Fire, what began as a 72-hour pre-positioning assignment may now extend to up to 14 days, depending on fire activity, incident needs, and operational requirements.

Task Force 52 represents the fifth deployment of Lincoln County fire resources requested by the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) this week. What began as a pre-positioning assignment has now transitioned into an active wildfire deployment, adding Lincoln County firefighters and apparatus to the growing statewide response. These personnel are working alongside firefighters from across Oregon to protect lives, property, communities, and natural resources as wildfire activity continues to increase.

On behalf of the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board, I extend my sincere appreciation to the firefighters and agencies that continue to answer the call to assist our fellow Oregonians. Their willingness to leave their home communities and serve wherever they are needed demonstrates the professionalism and dedication of our firefighters and the strength of Oregon's mutual aid system.

As wildfire activity increases across the state, we ask residents and visitors to remain vigilant and use extreme caution with any activity that could start a fire. Avoid operating equipment that may produce sparks during the hottest and driest portions of the day, fully extinguish campfires where they are permitted, and never discard smoking materials on the ground or from a vehicle.

We also continue to remind everyone that a debris burning ban remains in effect throughout Lincoln County. These restrictions are an important part of reducing the risk of preventable, human-caused wildfires during this period of elevated fire danger.

We are grateful for the continued support of our communities as Lincoln County personnel assist with wildfire response efforts across Oregon. While our firefighters are answering the call elsewhere in the state, each of us can do our part here at home by following current fire restrictions and taking precautions to prevent additional wildfire starts.

Please keep the residents and communities affected by the Wrights Spring Fire, as well as the firefighters, emergency responders, and incident support personnel working to protect lives and property, in your thoughts as suppression efforts continue.

August 6, 2026, Tip Of The Week - Summer Scam Reminder (Photo) - 08/06/26

SUMMER SCAM REMINDER

Summer can be a time for relaxation, adventure, reconnecting with loved ones, and time for taking those anticipated summer vacations. Even with the nice weather, scammers aren’t taking time off. This means you have to be aware and cautious throughout the year. Here are some common summer scams to watch for and tips on how to avoid them:
 

1. Law Enforcement Scams:

• Scammers pose as law enforcement agencies and claim you missed jury duty, owe fees, or someone needs bail money. They urge you to pay the “fees” quickly to avoid serious consequences and accept bitcoin, gift cards, or other non-traditional payment forms.
• Scammers pose as animal shelters or rescue organizations and claim they can reunite you with your lost pet for a large fee.
• Prevent these by scams by
  • Verifying information is coming from an official source. When in doubt, hang up, look up the agency’s contact information and call or stop by their office to verify someone is trying to contact you.
  • Save our contact information to quickly verify information is coming from the Sheriff’s Office:
    • LCSO Website: lincolncountysheriff.net/
    • LCSO Main Office: 541-265-4277
    • LCSO Animal Shelter: 541-265-6610

1. Vacation Rental Scams:
   • Scammers post vacation rentals online at enticing prices.
   • They ask for advance payment via wire transfer, but the rental either doesn’t exist or is not available.
   • Prevent this by using reputable rental platforms or companies.
2. Home Improvement Scams:
   • Contractors offer very low-cost services such as driveway repaving, house painting, etc.
   • Contractors claim repairs are urgently needed and encourage you to act quickly to avoid further damage or before prices increase.
   • They may take your money without completing the work, work without proper permits, or do low quality work.
   • Prevent this by avoiding unsolicited offers, getting multiple referrals or bids, and researching companies and contractors.
3. Employment Scams:
   • Scammers exploit job seekers by offering fake summer jobs.
   • Scammers post opportunities that promise high pay for minimal effort.
   • Prevent this by verifying job postings, researching organizations, and avoid sharing personal information until you have verified the company and posting is legitimate.
4. Travel Scams:
   • Beware of unsolicited travel deals or sweepstakes claiming you’ve won a free vacation.
   • Prevent this by verifying offers and information before sharing your personal information or payment.
5. Ticket and Event Scams:
   • Scammers sell counterfeit tickets to concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other activities.
   • Prevent this by purchasing tickets from authorized sellers and verifying websites or vendors before purchasing.

Staying informed, being cautious, and helping family and friends learn how to spot scams can help protect everyone throughout the year.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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08.05.26 - Electric Vehicle Reminder (Photo) - 08/05/26

ELECTRIC VEHICLE REMINDERS

Our communities have seen an increase in e-bike and e-scooter use. For some, these can be great options for convenient transportation and recreation, but they come with the responsibility of following laws and taking additional precautions to keep everyone safe.

In the last few months, there have been concerns about the safety of pedestrians, local traffic, and the operators themselves due to unsafe navigation of e-bikes throughout Lincoln County. Before your electric adventure begins, there are some things you should know.

• E-bikes
  • Definition: a bicycle equipped with an electric motor and that is a Class 1, 2, or 3 electric assisted bicycle.
    • Class 1: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 MPH.
    • Class 2: May be propelled by its motor without a rider pedaling and ceases to provide assistance once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 MPH.
    • Class 3: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 MPH, and is equipped with a speedometer.
    • Gas assisted bicycles gas assisted bicycles are considered mopeds, see below for more information.
  • Use requirements:
    • Operators must be at least 16 years old.
    • May not be driven on sidewalks.
    • Approved lighting must be used when operating under limited visibility.
    • Helmets are recommended unless they violate religious beliefs.
       
• Moped:
  • Defined as a vehicle that:
    • Is designed to be operated on the ground with no more than three wheels.
    • Has a seat or saddle for operator use.
    • Is equipped with an independent power source that
      • Maxes out at 30 MPH on level ground, and
      • If gas-powered, has a displacement of 35.01 to 50cc.
    • Has an automatic power drive and does not require clutching or shifting.
    • Note: If the vehicle exceeds either maximum capable speed or engine size, it is a motorcycle.
  • Use requirements:
    • Must have registration and insurance to operate on public roadways and premises open to the public is.
    • Requires a driver license to operate (but not a motorcycle endorsement).
    • Motorcycle helmet required.
    • Headlights required.
    • May operate in a bike lane only if exclusively powered by human power.
    • Passengers are not allowed.
       
• E-scooters:
  • Defined as a vehicle that:         
    • Is designed to be operated on the ground with up to four wheels and has foot support or a seat for the operator’s use.
    • Can be propelled by motor OR human propulsion.
    • Is equipped with a power source that maxes out at 24 MPH on level ground.
    • If gas-powered, has a max displacement of 35 cc.
    • If electric, has a max output of 1,000 watts.
  • Use requirements:
    • Operators must be at least 16 years old.
    • May not exceed 15 MPH.
    • Users must wear protective headgear unless doing so violates religious beliefs.
    • Passengers are not allowed.
    • Approved lighting must be used when operating under limited visibility.
    • Must use bicycle lane or path if bicycle lane or path is near the roadway and use is not prohibited by local laws.
    • May ride on sidewalk to enter or leave adjacent property.
    • Must walk scooter in crosswalk (this does not apply to person with a disability).
    • Use may be restricted by local jurisdictions.

Weather, experience, and traffic can impact the safety of navigating and sharing the road. Using additional caution and patience can help keep our roads safer for everyone involved. Check out this guide from Oregon Department of Transportation for more information: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/forms/dmv/6619.pdf

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