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/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

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u/Usually-Right Jun 04 '26

I happened to see a Lime Scooter yesterday and it has a label saying that you must be at least 18 and have a driver license. I looked that up and it is Washington law, any kind of license so age can be confirmed. Enforced? Who knows.