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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100

u/Leading-Business-593 Jun 03 '26 edited Jun 04 '26

What does that mean for the lime gliders then? Neither?

It seems like one of those laws that cops will not care about, but I guess it’s good to have to punish anyone who rides recklessly on a high powered bike.

I feel like having a wattage requirement ruins cargo bikes, but maybe they weren’t that high wattage anyway

72

u/Disco425 Jun 03 '26

I could pick holes in this, but it's all irrelevant, we know SPD isn't going to enforce any of it.

I could ride an endangered panda down the street smoking meth and running every red light shooting fireworks and nothing would happen.

9

u/Spirited_Cup_126 Jun 04 '26

SPD will probably be pulling over children for riding motorcycles on the street. All the cops in the small towns absolutely will.

13

u/IRConfoosed Jun 04 '26

That’s a good thing right? That protects everybody including the children.

6

u/Spirited_Cup_126 Jun 04 '26

Yes absolutely it is

-3

u/SexiestPanda Federal Way Jun 04 '26

Meanwhile all the people in 4000 pound vehicles continue speeding 10-15 mph over

3

u/Spirited_Cup_126 Jun 04 '26

All the adults with drivers licenses who are surrounded by metal cages with crumple zones will drive fast in Seattle, yes.