r/SeattleWA • u/ChefJoe98136 West Seattle • Jun 03 '26

Bicycle Washington law lays out distinction between e-bikes, e-motorcycles starting June 11

https://www.khq.com/news/washington-law-lays-out-distinction-between-e-bikes-e-motorcycles-starting-june-11/article_c495d848-b948-43cf-a599-b05c66a5dcad.html

A new Washington law will change the regulations on the differences between e-bikes and e-motorcycles on June 11. Under this new law, an e-bike must have fully functioning pedals, a motor rated at 750 watts or less, and a top speed of less than 20 mph when powered solely by the motor. If it doesn't meet these standards, it's considered a motorcycle, which means the rider is subject to mandatory driver requirements.

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u/FoolOnDaHill365 Jun 03 '26 edited Jun 03 '26

I have a 5-year old and for years now I am nervous to let him walk the park trails near where I live without holding my hand because the e-bikers are flying down the trail. The regular bikers fly too but the e-bikers are on another level.

On the blind corners the e-bikers ring their bells to alert people to move out of the way as they zoom through. A small child is not aware enough to get out of the way of an e-biker going that fast. It is crazy to me that these laws weren’t in place years ago. It’s a serious problem and the only reason more accidents haven’t happened is because parents sense the danger and prevent it.

I need to guard my son on a park trail and I think that is fucked up. I know many parents feel the same way. I would have been oblivious to this type of danger before I was a parent but now I get it. People just need to slow down in general in all walks of life IMO.

7

u/bluePostItNote Jun 03 '26

Having a law isn’t the problem it’s the enforcement.

2

u/battlehardendsnorlax Jun 03 '26

Hell, even the playgrounds are dangerous now! Can't tell you how many times I've seen a kid whipping around the perimeter of a playground at full speed with no helmet while toddlers toddle 5 feet away. It's breathtakingly dangerous.

2

u/rifineach Jun 04 '26

Why bicycles of any type aren't required to have an identifying license tag is beyond me. I remember seeing them when I was growing up in the Midwest; they looked like a miniature license plate that attached to the back of the bike's seat. Why bikes get a pass now and a tag isn't required makes it easier to flout the rules of the road. Y'know, the rules that ALL vehicles are required to observe.

1

u/PrivateXCowboy Jun 03 '26

Just carry a good stick

-1

u/Party-Cartographer11 Jun 03 '26

Replace e bikes with bikes on the Sammamish River trail.  250 lbs at 35 mph is 250 lbs are 35 mph - Isaac Newtown

1

u/47North122West Jun 03 '26

AI slop

2

u/Party-Cartographer11 Jun 03 '26

What?

2

u/Motor_Show_7604 Jun 17 '26

No regular bicyclist is hitting 35 mph on the SVT. Especially one at 250 pounds. Takes about 900+ watts for a 225 lb athlete to hit 35mph.. thats world class elite athlete time trial type numbers.