The Hillsboro School District reminded families late last week that all e-bikes and e-scooters must be walked on campus for the 2026-27 school year.
The restriction is not new. But with electric-powered rides increasingly popular among middle and high school students, the district posted a notice to its website spelling out the rules as classes approach.
The rule applies to everyone. No one, regardless of age, may ride an e-bike, e-scooter or other motorized device on district property. The district urged families to remind students of the safety regulations and to consider leaving the devices at home.
Under Oregon law, riders of e-bikes, e-scooters and other motorized devices must be at least 16 and wear a helmet.
What changes Jan. 1
A state law change taking effect Jan. 1, 2027, lowers the minimum age for Class 1 e-bikes to 14. Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal-assist only and cut off at 20 mph, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation's micromobility guide.
Riders younger than 14 will be able to operate a Class 1 e-bike after that date if they complete an approved bicycle safety program. The helmet requirement stays in place for all riders 16 and under.
The age change does not affect the campus rule. Even after Jan. 1, students who ride a Class 1 e-bike to school legally will still need to dismount and walk the device once they reach district property.
What families need to know
- On campus: All e-bikes, e-scooters and motorized devices must be walked. No exceptions by age.
- On public roads: Riders must be at least 16. That drops to 14 for Class 1 e-bikes on Jan. 1, 2027. Riders under 14 may qualify by completing an approved safety program.
- Helmets: Required for all riders 16 and under.
- Sidewalks: E-bikes may not be ridden on sidewalks under Oregon law. Motor-assisted scooters must be walked in crosswalks.
The district did not describe how it plans to enforce the walk-only rule or whether designated e-bike parking will be available at schools.
