Ebike Frequently Asked Questions
Ebikes in Washington state
Due to the excitement and demand around ebikes, in early 2018 the Washington State Legislature passed SB 6434 which establishes a legal framework consistent with national standards and gives the ebike industry certainty in the Washington market.
The new law also provides users with a clearer understanding of where they can and cannot be on bikeways, trails and streets while ensuring that jurisdictions and agencies have the tools for enforcement and management of ebikes on our streets and trails. Below please find FAQs about Washington's ebike laws. You can also learn more about ebike laws around the world.
FAQ: Washington’s Ebike Law
What does the ebike bill do?
What is an ebike?
What are the three classes of ebikes?
- Class 1: an ebike that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph.
- Class 2: an ebike where the motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle (without needing to pedal) and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 3: an ebike where the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph; also equipped with a speedometer.
Where can I ride my ebike?
- It depends on where you’re riding. If your city doesn’t have specific laws on the books, the default is that Class 1 and 2 ebikes can go everywhere traditional bikes can.
- Class 3 ebikes are restricted from shared-use pathways, as well as sidewalks. There is an allowance for Class 3 bikes on sidewalks in cases where there is no other safe alternative. Class 3 ebikes are allowed on infrastructure that is within or adjacent to a highway (street).
- Ebikes cannot be ridden on a trail that is designated as non-motorized and that has a natural surface made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials. This provision in the legislation was amended to help improve interactions with other types of users on soft-surface single track trails. Exceptions may be made by a local authority or agency of this state that has jurisdiction over a particular trail.
Are ebikes allowed on sidewalks?
- Class 1 and 2 ebikes are treated as traditional bikes, which means they are allowed on sidewalks, subject to local laws that restrict bicycle riding on sidewalks.
- Class 3 ebikes are prohibited on sidewalks except when there is no other safe option for the bikes to travel (for example on a bridge without a trail or other safe place to bike).
How fast do ebikes travel compared to traditional bikes?
- The top assisted speeds of 20 mph and 28 mph can be deceiving. Ebikes typically resemble traditional bikes in function and average speed. Studies suggest a difference of 0-5 mph between a traditional bike and ebike.
- It’s important to note that like motor vehicles, most people biking are not typically traveling at top speed at all times. This is the same for ebikes.
Why restrict an ebike’s power output to 750 watts?
What do ebike manufacturers and retailers have to do because of this new law?
When will the legislation become law?
I owned an ebike prior to the 2018 legislation becoming a law; what happens to my ebike?
Rad Powered Bikes line up at the Cascade Ebike World Record Ride on Sept. 15, 2018.
Ebike Classes
We now offer ebike versions of our maintenance classes. Click here to learn more and view upcoming classes! More info →