E-Bike Safety

Here’s what you need to know about e-bike safety:

Is it an E-bike, or an Electric Motorcycle?

There are clear differences between regular bicycles, e-bikes, and electric motorcycles. These distinctions are outlined in Washington State law:

Bicycles are powered by pedals exclusively.  

E-bikes are bicycles that are assisted by an electric motor. Some e-bikes only provide electric assistance when the rider is pedaling while others can propel the e-bike using electric power alone. Either way, a legal e-bike will always have pedals and a maximum 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.  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. 

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.

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. Any motor-driven cycle with a motor that exceeds 750 watts is classified as an electric motorcycle and specific laws apply.

Why do these differences 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. 

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. 

Now that you know the differences between e-bikes and electric motorcycles, let’s look at the dos and don’ts of e-bike riding:

Responsibilities as an E-bike Rider:

Where can e-bikes be ridden on Mercer Island?

In general, e-bikes can be used most places traditional bikes are allowed. But, it also depends on what class of e-bike you have:

• 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.

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can be ridden anywhere traditional bikes are permitted – including mixed-use trails, bike lanes, and roads – unless otherwise noted.

Class 3 e-bikes can be ridden on roads and paved trails that allow motorized vehicles but are not allowed on soft surface trails. Class 3 e-bikes are also prohibited on sidewalks and shared-use paths.

Is there anywhere I can’t ride an e-bike on Mercer Island?

E-bikes cannot be ridden on trails marked as non-motorized and trails with a natural dirt surface. In effect, this means e-bikes cannot be ridden in the Bike Skills Area, in Pioneer Park, or anywhere where posted signs prohibit motorized vehicles.

What are the rules of riding an e-bike?

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

How should I stay safe when riding an e-bike?

First and foremost, make sure you’re following the rules of the road. Riding safely keeps us all on the road, commuting, exploring, and getting to where we want to go. You should also follow these tips to keep yourself and others safe:

• Educate yourself on road rules and use bike paths or bike lanes whenever possible.
• Wear appropriate gear, including a helmet designed for e-bike riders.
• Slow down ahead of intersections and hazards.
• Be visible with lights and reflectors.
• Use warning devices like bells.
• Keep tires properly inflated.
• Practice safe mounting and dismounting due to the weight of e-bikes.

The Mercer Island Police Department, Eastside Fire & Rescue, and the City of Mercer Island strongly recommend wearing a proper helmet when riding any bike, scooter, or similar wheeled transportation. It’s important to remember that e-bikes can reach high rates and speed – without a helmet, you face significantly higher risks of serious injury.

E-bikes have become especially popular for kids on the Island. It’s important that parents talk with their children about safe operations. Riding fast on two wheels can be fun, but it can also be very dangerous especially for young or inexperienced riders.

Make sure you're familiar with your responsibilities when riding an e-bike. They are in place to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Rule Violations and Bad Behavior:

Will the Mercer Island Police Department be enforcing these rules?

Absolutely. The Police Department is responsible for ensuring our community’s safety, and that includes making sure bicycles and e-bikes are being ridden correctly and considerately. Violators of these rules are subject to penalties. If you are an e-bike rider, know the rules, know your e-bike classification, and ride safely!

The Mercer Island Police Department and the Mercer Island School District are also coordinating to provide outreach and education within the school system on the importance of safe riding for kids.

How should I report illegal or concerning bike behavior?

If you are witnessing unsafe or illegal behavior on an e-bike as it is happening, call 911. These behaviors include failure to follow the rules of the road, operating an e-bike in an area where it is prohibited, and reckless riding.

To report an incident that is no longer in-progress, call the 24-hour non-emergency dispatch line at 425-577-5656. For routine questions or concerns, you can also e-mail the Mercer Island Police Department at mi-records@mercerisland.gov.

It’s important that all riders follow the rules and ride with consideration for others. The safety of riders and those around them is the reason there are laws and regulations surrounding e-bikes.

E-Scooters:

E-scooters are scooters powered by an electric motor. While this page is focused on e-bikes, almost all of the information outlined here also applies to e-scooters. E-scooters are subject to many of the same laws as e-bikes, with a few important distinctions:

• E-scooters cannot be ridden on sidewalks or soft-surface trails.
• When riding an e-scooter between a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, lights or reflectors are required.
• E-scooters have a minimum rider age of 16.
• The speed limit for e-scooters is 15 mph on any roadway or bicycle lane.

View RCW 46.20.500 for more information on e-scooter laws. 

Important Links:

• MICC Chapter 9.30 – Park Rules
• RCW 46.61.710 Mopeds, EPAMDs, motorized foot scooters, personal delivery devices, electric-assisted bicycles, class 1 electric-assisted bicycles, class 2 electric-assisted bicycles, class 3 electric-assisted bicycles—General requirements and operation.
• RCW 46.20.500 Special endorsement—Penalties—Exceptions.
• RCW 46.61.261 Sidewalks, crosswalks—Pedestrians, bicycles, personal delivery devices.
• RCW 46.37.530 Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, electric-assisted bicycles—Helmets, other equipment—Children—Rules.
• RCW 46.61.705 Off-road motorcycles.