Moped Laws: Oregon

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GMI

by catrinus.wallet@bangate1.TEK.COM

Where I live, in Oregon, the law is that you must have a regular drivers' license to drive a moped... Also, the moped MUST have license plates and liability insurance.
Also, they are considered motor vehichles, so mopeds may NOT use any of the wonderful bike paths that are being built in the Portland area. I truly believe that this is the single most important reason why mopeds have never caught on in most places in the USA -- it's just too nerve wracking to compete with autos on most city streets, especially when you're doing the speed limit (25 or 30 mph) round town and all of the yahoos insist on going 45. Also, the cars seem to get angry because I'm not riding in the bike lane! I wonder if there is an advocacy group around that could start to work on the issue of letting mopeds to use street bike lanes.

By the way, in Oregon the dept of Motor Vehicles puts out a book called "Motorcycle and Moped Handbook" which details all of the requirements for mopeds. Perhaps other states do as well.

To reply to me directly, please send e-mail to Catrinus.Wallet@juno.com