Oregon man says electric bike is a bike, not a car

[June 09, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) -- When Paul McClain had his driver's license suspended for driving a car without insurance, the 41-year-old Oregon man started riding an electric bicycle instead.

But authorities say he can't do that either.

McClain, of Springfield, 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 Tuesday 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.

[Associated Press]

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