E-Bicycles/E-Motorcycles
E-Bicycles and E-Motorcycles
Electric-assisted bikes, or e-bikes, are an emerging mobility option for getting around Sammamish. E-bikes are sometimes confused with e-motorcycles. This page identifies the differences between the two vehicles and outlines what local and state laws apply to each.
What are the different types of e-bikes?
Starting on July 1, 2018, Washington State law requires e-bike manufacturers to affix, in a prominent location, a label printed in Arial font and at least nine-point type that contains the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage.
Where and how can e-bikes operate?
Washington State law specifies where the different classes may operate if local governments do not have their own policies in place. The City of Sammamish Municipal Code establishes rules for operating e-bikes as follows:
Speed Limits & Behavior: E-bikes cannot operate faster than 15 mph on shared use facilities or at a speed that is not reasonable and prudent given actual and potential hazards. Users may also not travel on shared facilities in a negligent manner or in a way that endangers persons or property.
Prohibited Locations:
Soft Surface Trails & Boardwalks: City ordinance prohibits all classes of e-bikes from natural surface trails and boardwalks unless otherwise designated and posted.
Sidewalks: Washington State law prohibits class 3 e-bikes from operating on sidewalks unless there is no alternative bicycle or pedestrian path.
Allowed Locations:
Paved Shared Use Paths: Washington State law allows class 1 and 2 e-bikes on paved shared use paths unless local government policy prohibits otherwise. Washington State law prohibits class 3 e-bikes on shared use paths. The City of Sammamish has two paved shared use paths in city limits, the East Lake Sammamish Trail and the wide sidewalk along the east side of 228th Avenue between SE 24th Street and NE 8th Street. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on both of these shared use paths and should operate according the City’s laws regarding a 15 mph speed limit and traveling in a respectful manner when passing pedestrians.
Other Bicycle Facilities: Per Washington State law, e-bikes may operate in all roadway facilities intended for bicyclists (arterial and local road travel lanes, wide shoulders, bike lanes, etc.).
E-bike versus e-motorcycle classification:
Washington State law defines an e-bike as a bicycle with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor with power of no more than seven hundred fifty watts. E-motorcycles differ from e-bikes in that the power is greater than 750 watts (often up to 6,000-8,000 watts). Another key distinction is that e-motorcycles typically do not have operative pedals and instead have stationary foot pegs. Even
if equipped with a pedal kit or speed regulator, the size of the motor places them outside the e-bicycle classes.
Where and how can e-motorcycles operate?
Traditional motorcycles require lights, turn signals, mirrors, a license plate, and an operator with a motorcycle license (endorsement) to be legally operated on the road. Therefore, e-motorcycles without all the required road components are only allowed on private property or at recreational parks that allow similar vehicles such as dirt bikes. If all the road components are available, the e-motorcycle must be registered with the Washington State Department of Licensing and the operator must be at least 16 years of age.
Can I ride them in the roadway?
To ride an E-Motorcycle on a public roadway, the following criteria must be met.
- Vehicle must be issued a license plate and be equipped with a headlight, brake lamp, turn signals, and mirrors.
- The operator must have a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement, insurance coverage for the motorcycle, and a DOT approved helmet.
Enforcement
If you observe unlawful e-bike or e-motorcycle behavior, you should call 911 or the non-emergency police number at (206) 296-3311 to report the incident. For incidents not in-progress, please utilize the MySammamish app or online portal or call the non-emergency police number at (206) 296-3311.
Future Work:
The City is continuing to analyze bicycle policies and facility needs through updates to various plans and policies. These include the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (update underway), the Transportation Master Plan update (Fall 2025 kickoff), the municipal code and bicycle facility standard design details (Summer 2025 kickoff). Please visit the project pages for more information on these projects.
Resources:
RCW 46.04.169 - eBike Classifications
RCW 46.20.500 - E-bike Age Restrictions
RCW 46.37.690 E-bike Label Requirements
RCW 46.61.710: Class 3 E-bikes not Allowed on Sidewalks
SMC 7A.08.010 E-bike Operating Speed Limit
SMC 7a.09.020 - E-Bike Operating Behavior
SMC 7A.11.050, SMC 7A.11.010: E-bike Prohibited Natural Surface Locations