Oregon Man Can’t Ride Bike Because of Suspended Driver’s License

When Paul McClain had his driver’s license suspended for driving a car without insurance, the 41-year-old Springfield, Ore., resident started riding an electric bicycle instead.

But authorities say he can’t do that either.

McClain is fighting five tickets he received for driving with a suspended license while on his electricity-assisted bicycle. He told a Springfield Municipal Court judge that an electric bike is just like a bike and he doesn’t need a license.

But police say it’s not a bike when he turns on the motor.

David House, a spokesman for Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services, says it’s a gray area of the law and the issue likely will end up in court.

The Register Guard reports the judge said he’ll announce his ruling after a separate trial in Lane Justice Court on a similar ticket.