Ebikes in Kirkland

E-bikes (electrical bicycles) are an increasingly popular way to get around Kirkland - especially among young riders. If you're considering purchasing or using e-bikes, please familiarize yourself with local laws to understand the difference between e-bikes and electric motorcycles (e-motorcycles). 

Is it an e-bike or an electrical motorcycle? 

Not all electric two-wheelers are e-bikes, some are considered electric motorcycles. 

  • E-bikes are bicycles that are assisted by an electric motor. Some e-bikes only provide electric assistance when the rider is pedaling while others can propel the e-bike using electric power alone. Either way, a legal e-bike will always have pedals and a maximum speed of 20mph (when using electric power) or 28mph (with the rider pedaling). The power output from an e-bike motor will never exceed 750 watts. In Washington state, 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.
  • Electric motorcycles are electrically powered cycles that often do not have operable pedals (but may have foot pegs/ brackets/supports). If the cycle does not have operational pedals capable of propelling it, or exceeds 750 watts, or is capable of going over 28 mph with motor assistance, it is classified as a motorcycle and specific laws apply. 

Make sure you know how to spot the difference between what's considered an e-bike and an electric motorcycle. Many makes and models marketed as e-bikes are actually electric motorcycles, capable of reaching speeds much faster than a traditional e-bike. 

E-motorcycles: What You Need to Know

E-motorcycles are motorcycles. E-motorcycles are faster, more powerful, and pose greater safety risks for youth. It’s illegal to ride an electric motorcycle on the roadway without the required registration, licensing, and insurance.

Despite how they are marketed, electric motorcycles cannot simply be “ridden out of the box” and are not legal for kids. Electric motorcycles are required to be registered with the Washington State Department of Licensing. This means for an electric motorcycle to be ridden on a road, it must have a license plate and meet the requirements of RCW 46.61.705. Riders must have a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement. It is illegal to operate anything considered an electric motorcycle on the roadway without a valid motorcycle-endorsed license.

E-cycles table summarizing the similarities and differences between different classes of e-bikes and e-motorcycles

E-Bike Rider Responsibilities & FAQs

E-bikes can be used in most places traditional bikes are allowed, but that also depends on the class of e-bike.

  • Class 1: These e-bikes assist up to 20 mph and only provide electric assistance when the rider is pedaling. Class 1 e-bikes can be ridden anywhere traditional bikes are permitted – including mixed-use trails, bike lanes, and roads – unless otherwise noted.
  • Class 2: These e-bikes assist up to 20 mph but can propel the bike without pedaling. 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: These e-bikes assist up to 28 mph and have additional rules. The rider must be 16 or older. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks and shared-use paths and must be ridden on the road. 

Are e-bikes allowed on the Cross Kirkland Corridor (CKC)? 

E-bikes are allowed on the CKC, but all other motorized vehicles are prohibited (with limited exceptions) (KMC 19.40). All riders must abide by the 15 mph speed limit. Read more about the CKC's trail rules and etiquette. 

Are e-bikes allowed in Kirkland's parks? 

E-bikes may be used only on designated park pathways and bicycle paths. Riders must abide by the 15-mph speed limit (see KMC 11.80.130). Motorized vehicles, including e-bikes, are not allowed to be used on park lawn areas at any speed.

Reporting illegal or unsafe bike or e-motorcycle behavior

If you witness someone operating an e-bike, an e-scooter or an e-motorcycle in an unsafe or illegal manner as it is happening, please call 911. This includes failure to follow the rules of the road, operating an e-bike, an e-scooter or an e-motorcycle in an area where it is prohibited, and reckless riding.

Rules of the road for all riders, regardless of type of bike being ridden

  • 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.
  • An e-bike that goes faster than 28 mph is NOT an e-bike. It is an electric motorcycle and different laws apply.

Tips to keep riders and others safe

  • Educate yourself on road rules and use bike paths or bike lanes whenever possible.
  • Follow all rules of the road.
  • Wear appropriate gear, including a helmet designed for e-bike riders with chin strap secured tightly.
  • Slow down ahead of intersections, driveways and hazards.
  • Use lights and reflectors.
  • Use warning devices like bells.
  • Keep tires properly inflated.
  • Practice safe mounting and dismounting due to the weight of e-bikes.

Important Links: 

  • KMC Chapter 11.80 – Park Rules
  • 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.
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