A new Washington law that took effect June 11 will clarify the legal difference between electric bicycles and electric motorcycles, a distinction Clark County law enforcement officials say is important for public safety on roads, sidewalks and trails.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office recently reminded residents that e-bikes and electric motorcycles are not the same under state law, and that where they can be ridden, and who can legally operate them, depends on how the vehicle is classified.
Under the new rules, an electric-assisted bicycle must have fully functioning pedals, a motor rated at 750 watts or less and a top speed of less than 20 mph when powered only by the motor. Vehicles that do not meet those standards may be classified as motorcycles, meaning riders would be subject to motorcycle licensing, registration, insurance and other legal requirements.
The sheriff’s office pointed residents to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s eRide guide, which explains rules for e-bikes, electric motorcycles, mopeds, motorized foot scooters and similar vehicles.
“E-bikes and electric motorcycles are not the same and the laws for where they can be ridden are different too,” the agency wrote in a social media post.
Class 3 e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old. Electric motorcycles, meanwhile, are considered motor vehicles. The sheriff’s office noted they are not allowed on sidewalks or in most pedestrian areas and cannot legally be operated on public roads without meeting motorcycle requirements.
The change comes amid growing statewide concern about crashes involving electric motorcycles, including incidents involving teenagers and younger children. Officials have said one problem is confusion between lower-powered electric bicycles and faster, more powerful battery-operated motorcycles.
Supporters of the law say the distinction is especially important for children who may not have driver’s licenses or the experience needed to safely operate higher-speed vehicles around traffic, pedestrians and other riders.
The sheriff’s office also warned parents and guardians that they may be held responsible if a child unlawfully operates an electric motorcycle.
“Please take a few minutes to understand the rules before you ride and help keep our community safe and livable for everyone,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Officials have compared the issue to allowing a child to ride a gas-powered motorcycle simply because the vehicle is powered by a battery instead of gasoline. If the vehicle meets the legal definition of a motorcycle, riders must follow motorcycle requirements regardless of how it is powered.
The Washington State Department of Transportation notes that Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are generally allowed on shared-use paths, while Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on shared-use paths under state law. State law defines Class 3 electric-assisted bicycles as bikes where the motor assists only while the rider is pedaling and stops assisting once the bike reaches 28 mph.
