| Electric & Hybrid Vehicles |
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| Definitions |
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- Electric vehicle: Powered only by a form of electricity.
- Hybrid vehicle: Powered by electricity and another source of motor power.
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| Registration Requirements |
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Registration requirements for electric and hybrid vehicles are similar to other vehicles. For example:
- Electric and hybrid vehicles must be manufactured to meet Federal standards.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles may be subject to Oregon's Low Emissions Vehicle requirement.
- Hybrid vehicles are subject to DEQ emissions testing.
Some differences are:
- Some electric and hybrid vehicles have registration fees different than the same type of vehicle powered by another power source, and
- All-electric vehicles are not subject to DEQ emissions testing
See Titling and Registering Your Vehicle and Fees.
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| Vehicle Descriptions |
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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 Fact Sheet for Mini-Motorbikes/Scooters 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
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 for Low Speed Vehicles. Some must prove compliance with the Low Emissions Vehicle requirement.
Medium Speed Vehicles
Some states have laws that allow on-road registration of 4-wheeled electric vehicles with top speeds that are somewhat higher than low speed (up to 35 miles per hour). However, Oregon DMV does not have the authority to title or register these vehicles.
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 Fact Sheet for Mini-Motor Bikes/Scooters.
Passenger
Vehicles registering as passenger vehicles must prove compliance with Federal passenger standards. They must comply with all other title and registration requirements, which may include the Low Emissions Vehicle requirement. 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.
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| Registering & Titling |
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| Related Information |
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