If you look in the Oregon Motorcycle and Moped Manual, bottom of page two, under endorsments, it clearly states that if you are riding a bike with independant power source and can go over 30 mph on level ground, unassisted, you must have a motorcycle endorsment. Ore statute 811.440 # 5"When motor vehicles may operate on bicycle lane" says; A person may operate a motor Assisted scooter on a bicycle lane or path.
No, motorized bicycles are not the same as a moped.
I was stopped Saturday and told I could not ride in the street, and if I was in the bike lane, I could not use my motor. He was nice enough, but he was wrong.
If you go to
http://dmv.org/or-oregon/insurance/motorcycle-insurance-minimumrequirements.php it states that basically, if it can go over 30 mph, it needs insurance. At the bottom under Two Wheeled Vehicles, it says Mopeds are defined as having two or three wheels, can be propelled by pedals, cannot go over 30 mph, and have an engine that is not more powerful than 50 CCs.
Also of interest, he told me I had to have lights attached physically to the bike as well as reflectors; wrong again.
From the Oregon Bicycle Manual, 2006 is the only one DMV had states "Lights are required by law when riding after dark. You or your bcycle must have a white light visable at least 500 feet to the front, and a red light or reflector visable at least 600 feet to the rear".
I have been riding my motorized bike around here, Hermiston, for over two years, and other than a warning for not coming to a complete stop, have never had a run in with the police, except for the time one pulled out in front of me. I do believe he was checking my braking ability because I had two lights on the front of my bike and I was wearing a bright yellow safety vest. I am also 6'7" and 260, so I know I was visable. Three people pulled out in front of me that day, and all of them within three blocks and one minute. You have to be seen to be safe.
I hope this helps. Ride safe and be seen!!!
Gary