Washington Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Class 1 and 3 on trails; all classes on park roads

House Bill 2782 adopted the three-class system in 2018 (RCW 46.04.169), with a 750 W motor limit. Riders under 16 may not operate a Class 3 e-bike; there is no age limit for Class 1 and 2, and no license, registration or insurance. ESSB 6110 (2026), effective June 11, 2026, excludes any vehicle that exceeds 20 mph on motor power alone or can be switched out of class, and sets up a Department of Licensing work group on electric motorcycles that reports in December 2026.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
16
E-bike helmet
No state rule
State parks
Class 1 and 3 on trails; all classes on park roads
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Washington

Washington rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1 and 2Class 1, 2; 750 WNoneNoNoNoNo state ruleYes, unless local banShared-use paths
E-bike, Class 3Class 3; 28 mph; 750 W16NoNoNoNo state ruleNo, unless local allowsNo, unless local allows
Stand-up e-scooterMotorized foot scooterNo state ruleNoNoNoNo state ruleNoNo natural-surface trails
Seated e-scooter (moped)Moped: 30 mph max16YesYesNoYesNoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1 and 2. Roads, bike lanes, paths
  • E-bike, Class 3. Speedometer required
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Roads and bike lanes
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). Roads, not freeways

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Speedometer on Class 3; permanent label showing class, top assisted speed and motor wattage; motor cutoff when pedaling stops or brakes are applied; white front lamp visible 500 feet and red rear reflector at night.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Class 3 e-bikes are barred from sidewalks and shared-use paths unless a local ordinance allows them; Class 1 and 2 may use paths subject to local limits. Cities, counties and state agencies may restrict e-bikes on facilities they control and on natural-surface trails.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Washington

Washington State Parks allows all classes on park roads, and Class 1 and Class 3 pedal-assist e-bikes on long-distance trails and on natural-surface trails open to bicycles. Class 2 throttle e-bikes stay on roads, and no e-bikes are allowed on hiking-only trails.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1 and 2
RCW 46.04.169, 46.61.710; HB 2782 (2018); ESSB 6110 (2026)
E-bike, Class 3
RCW 46.04.169, 46.20.500, 46.61.710
Stand-up e-scooter
RCW 46.04.336, 46.61.710
Seated e-scooter (moped)
RCW 46.04.304, 46.61.710, 46.37.530
Status
Partly verified
Open items
RCW 46.61.710 current text not read directly (2019 session law used); WAC citation for the State Parks rule; moped insurance exemption; motorized foot scooter age rule
Last verified
Q4 2026