Important E-Bike Info for Parents - Know Before You Buy

Dear Mercer Island Community Members,

E-bikes have become an increasingly popular choice to get around, especially for Island youth. As we approach the holiday season, parents should make sure they’re informed about the rules and risks when buying or gifting an e-bike.

E-Bikes VS Electric Motorcycles

Firstly, make sure you know how to spot the difference between what's considered an e-bike and an electric motorcycle. Many makes and models marketed as e-bikes are actually electric motorcycles, capable of reaching speeds much faster than a traditional e-bike. Know what you’re gifting or what your kids are riding. Here’s how to tell them apart:

E-bikes are bikes assisted by an electric motor. All legal e-bikes will always have operable pedals and a maximum assisted speed of 20mph (when using only electric power) or 28mph (with the rider pedaling). The power output from an e-bike motor will never exceed 750 watts. 

There are three classes of e-bikes:

• Class 1: These e-bikes assist up to 20 mph and only provide electric assistance when the rider is pedaling.
• Class 2: These e-bikes assist up to 20 mph but can propel the bike without pedaling.
• Class 3: These e-bikes assist up to 28 mph and have additional rules, including a minimum rider age of 16.

In Washington state, new e-bikes are required to have a label that includes the class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage (RCW 46.37.690). The labels may be placed on the top tube or near the bottom bracket on the e-bike.

The following photos are an example of what many e-bikes look like, and what their labeling will show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check to see what kind of e-bike your child is or will be riding and familiarize yourself with the corresponding rules on when and where they can be ridden. If you're gifting an e-bike for a child, make sure it complies with safety and age requirements.

Electric motorcycles are powered solely by an electric motor. Electric motorcycles often do not have operable pedals and may or may not have foot pegs or other brackets or supports. If the cycle does not have operational pedals capable of propelling it, it is classified as a motorcycle. The following photos are examples of what many electric motorcycles look like:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why does the difference matter? Simply put, e-bikes are assisted bicycles and carry with them moderate safety risks. Electric motorcycles are just that, motorcycles. Electric motorcycles can travel at unexpectedly high speeds and are much more powerful, presenting significant safety risks for kids. It’s also illegal to ride an electric motorcycle without the required registration and licensing.

Confusing Marketing

Many electric motorcycles are marketed as electric dirt bikes, or even as e-bikes. While the marketing can be deceiving, do not be mistaken – any motor-driven cycle with a motor that exceeds 750 watts is classified as an electric motorcycle and specific laws apply. Check the owner’s manual for motor wattage, top speed, and information on its propulsion mechanism before purchasing.

Unlike e-bikes, electric motorcycles cannot simply be “ridden out of the box” and are not legal for kids. Electric motorcycles are required to be registered with the Department of Licensing. This means for an electric motorcycle to be ridden on a road, it must have a license plate and meet the requirements of RCW 46.61.705 and operators are also required to have a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement. It is illegal to operate anything considered an electric motorcycle without a valid motorcycle-endorsed license.

Riding Safely (and Lawfully)

E-bike operators must follow all road rules and avoid riding in a way that endangers people, property, or obstructs travel. In simple terms, this means you and your kids should ride with common sense and safety in mind! And of course, follow the rules:

All riders must:

• Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and in crosswalks.
• Obey posted speed limits. Exceeding the posted speed limit is a traffic violation.
• Only ride e-bikes (or any bike) where allowed.
• Be at least 16 years old if riding a Class 3 e-bike in the State of Washington. 

Remember, if the e-bike goes faster than 28 mph it is NOT an e-bike. It is an electric motorcycle and different laws apply.

Parents should talk with their kids about safety and the dangers of riding at high speeds without a helmet.

Continued Outreach

The City and Mercer Island Police Department are working with the Mercer Island School District to help educate young riders on the importance of riding safely. Mercer Island officers are also conducting patrols to ensure safe riding in the community. 

Islanders can see detailed information about e-bike safety, rules, and regulations on the City’s website: https://www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks/page/e-bike-safety.