Oregon sets rules for powered small vehicles and milk trucks

Oregon will define powered micromobility devices and generally treat their riders like bicycle riders under the vehicle code. The definition covers person-carrying vehicles with a propulsion system, a top speed of 28 miles per hour, and an unloaded weight under 100 pounds. It excludes electric assisted bicycles, motor assisted scooters, wheelchairs, motorcycles, mopeds, and all-terrain vehicles. Local governments and state agencies may prohibit or regulate these devices on bicycle lanes, paths, sidewalks, and public trails. Riders must still use reasonable care. Powered micromobility devices do not need Oregon titles, registration, or proof of financial responsibility. A person may operate one without driving privileges at age 16 or older. These provisions become operative on January 1, 2027, after the act takes effect on June 5, 2026.

Vehicle operators, parents, sellers, and rental businesses would face safety and equipment rules for several small vehicles. The rules cover bicycles, motor assisted scooters, electric personal assistive mobility devices, powered micromobility devices, skateboards, nonmotorized scooters, and inline skates. A person carrying or responsible for a child under 16 must ensure the child wears approved protective headgear, unless doing so conflicts with a religious belief or practice. The first conviction does not require a fine if the person proves the person has approved headgear. Sellers and lessors may not offer covered vehicles, batteries, or charging systems without required testing certification and a permanent laboratory mark, except for used items. Selling a vehicle as a type or class it does not meet, or designing it to be modified out of compliance, is prohibited. These provisions become operative on January 1, 2027, after the act takes effect on June 5, 2026.

The Department of Transportation will run a five-year pilot allowing permits for certain milk trucks weighing up to 129,000 pounds. The pilot covers commercial motor vehicles carrying fluid milk products on a limited number of department-approved Oregon highways. The department must choose routes and prioritize connections using Interstate 84, bordering states, farms, milk plants, receiving stations, or transfer stations. The department must set permit terms and may suspend or revoke a permit for violations. The department must monitor safety, bridges, and pavement and report its findings. The pilot does not itself permanently raise weight limits. The pilot provision becomes operative on January 1, 2027, and is repealed on January 2, 2033. The department must submit its final report by September 15, 2032.

The Department of Administrative Services will review how Oregon studies highway costs and submit recommendations. The review covers highway study revenues, spending, vehicle classes, data, cost calculations, and how to measure fairness between vehicle groups. The department must consult the study review team. The report may recommend statutory or other changes but does not itself change tax rates or vehicle fees. The report is due to the Joint Committee on Transportation by March 15, 2028, and the review provision is repealed on January 2, 2029.