Scooters and Similar Small Vehicles
Many scooters, electric assisted bicycles, and similar vehicles are not registered with DMV. Their use may be restricted or not allowed by state law or by cities and counties. See
Pocket Bikes & Similar Vehicles and
Motorized Scooter and Pocket Bike Guide. Electric assisted bicycles are defined in
ORS 801.258. Motor assisted scooters are defined in
ORS 801.348.
Low-Speed Vehicles Low-speed vehicles are 4-wheeled motor vehicles with a maximum speed of more than 20 miles per hour but not more than 25 miles per hour. Many are electric-powered. All must prove compliance with Federal standards and Oregon safety standards for low-speed vehicles.
Medium-Speed Electric Vehicles Medium-speed electric vehicles are electric motor vehicles with four wheels that are equipped with a roll cage or a crush-proof body design; can attain a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour on a paved, level surface; are fully enclosed and have at least one door for entry. All medium-speed electric vehicles must prove compliance with the Oregon safety standards for medium-speed vehicles (
OAR 737-010-0020).
ATV Vehicles manufactured for only off-highway use cannot be modified to meet required Federal standards. None of them are registered with DMV. ATVs may be titled with DMV, but it is not required. You may operate ATVs in certain areas with a permit from
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. See
ATVs for more information.
Motorcycle or Moped Motorcycles and mopeds can have 2-3 wheels. A motorcycle may have an enclosed cab that makes it look like a "car", but it cannot have passenger vehicle registration. (However, operators of motorcycles with an enclosed cab do not have to wear a helmet or have a motorcycle endorsement.) Electric or hybrid motorcycles pay a slightly lesser
registration fee. A moped may include a bicycle equipped with a power source, other than an
electric assisted bicycle or a motor assisted scooter. See full descriptions of
Motorcycles and
Mopeds for more information and
Pocket Bikes & Similar Vehicles.
Passenger Vehicles registering as
passenger vehicles must prove compliance with Federal passenger standards. They must comply with all other title and registration requirements. Three-wheeled vehicles of any motor power cannot meet passenger standards. Not all vehicles with four wheels meet passenger standards. Some four-wheeled electric or hybrid vehicles may qualify for Low Speed Vehicle registration, if they meet standards, or for ATV operating permits.
Other Types Other types of electric or hybrid vehicles (moped, truck, motor home, etc.) are titled and registered if they meet the standards and requirements for the vehicle type. Fees vary by vehicle type. See
Vehicle Types and
Fees.