CCAT adopts policy to allow electric micromobility devices on buses

District outlines safety policies for transporting e-bikes, e-scooters

The Coos County Area Transportation District recently adopted a policy that will allow electric bicycles and other micromobility devices to be carried on CCAT buses and outlines the rules for safe transport.

The new policy supports the state of Oregon’s efforts to encourage healthy movement, reduce emissions that contribute to climate change, reduce vehicle miles traveled and increase access and mobility opportunities.

“The District is making a concerted effort to expand micromobility options in Coos County,” said Melissa Metz, General Manager for CCAT. “Micromobility encompasses using electric micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters in conjunction with public transit to bridge distances too close to drive but too far to walk.”

The new rules for electric micromobility devices (EMDs) are similar to those used for traditional bikes, with some notable differences.

The rules state people using EMDs may use CCAT services under the following conditions:

  • Space is available
  • Charging EMDs in or on any CCATD bus or facility is prohibited
  • EMDs must remain powered off during transport
  • EMDs with removable batteries shall be removed and kept with the owner inside the bus
  • EMDs and their batteries must never be left unattended, discarded, stored or locked to any CCATD asset within the system, or abandoned for any reason
  • EMDs must use sealed gel, lithium ion, or NiCad batteries that are Underwriter Laboratory (UL) certified and listed
  • EMDs must not have damaged batteries nor emit environmental contaminants
  • Foldable EMDs with a wheel size of 20 inches or less, must be folded or compacted and carried on board
  • Doors, seats, aisles and emergency equipment must be kept clear
  • Property of a shared or rented EMD provider is not allowed on board a CCAT bus
  • Tandems and bikes with oversized wheels, three or more wheels, trailers or internal combustion engines are not allowed on CCAT buses
  • Racks on the front of CCAT buses can accommodate bikes:
    • Maximum weight of 55 lbs.
    • Maximum tire diameter 29”, maximum tire width 2.3”, maximum wheelbase 44”
    • Bikes with child seats, panniers or other accessories are at the driver’s discretion.

To transport an e-bike, clients must have a bike that fits securely on the CCAT bike carriers, which are available on every bus. Oversized bikes or bikes with oversized tires will not fit and cannot be carried. Clients must also be able to safely load and unload their bikes on the carriers without assistance.

“We understand that the use of electronic mobility devices is growing rapidly, and we hope this policy allows more people to use CCAT services,” said Selena Kelly Irvin, CCATD Operations Manager. “By following the rules, we can open our transportation system to more people while maintaining the safety record we have had for many years.”