E-Bike & E-Motorcycle Safety

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

Is it an E-bike, or an E-Motorcycle/E-Dirt Bike?

There are clear differences between regular bicycles, e-bikes, and e-motorcycles/e-dirt bikes.  Make sure you know how e-bikes differ from e-motorcycles. Many makes and models marketed as e-bikes are actually e-motorcycles, capable of reaching speeds much faster than e-bikes. 

These distinctions are outlined in Washington State law and in the City’s municipal code:

Bicycles are powered by pedals exclusively.  

E-bikes are bicycles that are assisted by an electric motor, and…

• Have pedals.
• Have 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.  

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. 

E-motorcycles/e-dirt bikes are distinct from e-bikes; these vehicles are powered by an electric motor, and…

• Often, they lack operable pedals. Foot pegs or brackets do not count as pedals.
• Have a dirt-bike style frame that is larger and heavier than that of an e-bike.
• The power output from an e-motorcycle motor exceeds 750 watts, and the motor will continue to power the e-motorcycle after reaching 28mph.

Why do these differences matter?

Simply put, e-bikes are assisted bicycles and carry moderate safety risks. E-motorcycles and e-dirt bikes are motorcycles that can travel at unexpectedly high speeds and are much more powerful, presenting significant safety risks for kids. It’s also illegal to ride e-motorcycles without required registration and licensing. 

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

Responsibilities as an E-bike Rider:

Where can e-bikes be ridden on Mercer Island?

In general, e-bikes can be used in most places, traditional bikes are allowed depending on your class of e-bike:

• Class 1 e-bikes assist up to 20 mph and only provide electric assistance when the rider is pedaling.
• Class 2 e-bikes assist up to 20 mph but can propel the bike without pedaling.
• Class 3 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 on 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 ways that endanger people, property, or obstructs travel. 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 Washington state. 
• Remember, if your e-bike goes faster than 28 mph it is NOT an e-bike. It is an e-motorcycle and different laws apply.

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

• 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. Because e-bikes can reach high speeds – without a helmet, you face significantly higher risks of serious injury.

Since e-bikes have become especially popular for kids on the Island, parents should 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, e-bikes, and e-motorcycles are being ridden correctly and considerately. Violators of these rules are subject to impound and penalties.

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 witness unsafe or illegal behavior on an e-bike or an e-motorcycle as it is happening, call 911. These behaviors include failure to follow the rules of the road, operating an e-bike in prohibited areas, and reckless riding.

To report incidents 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
• AB 6772 / Ordinance No. 25C-24
• 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.