06/10/2026
Parents With Kids , Read This .. it will soon effect Everyone and these E-Bikes New Washington Law …
Know Before You Ride: New Washington E-Bike Rules Take Effect June 11
The City of Arlington is seeing more electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and other e-mobility vehicles on city streets and trails. With so many types of electric transportation now available, it can be difficult to tell which vehicles are legal, where they can be ridden, and what rules apply.
Washington state updated its laws through Enhanced Substitute Senate Bill 6110, which more clearly defines the difference between electric-assisted bicycles, or e-bikes, and electric motorcycles. These updates take effect June 11, 2026.
An electric-assisted bicycle must have:
✅Fully operable pedals
✅An electric motor rated at 750 watts or less
✅ Meet one of Washington’s three e-bike classes
If a vehicle does not meet the legal definition of an e-bike, it may be regulated as a motorcycle, moped, or another type of motor vehicle under Washington law. That can mean additional requirements for riding on public roads, such as:
➡️A valid driver’s license
➡️Vehicle registration
➡️Insurance
➡️Helmet requirements
➡️Following all traffic laws
For those planning to ride on the Centennial Trail, Class 1 and Class 2 electric-assisted bicycles may be used on a shared-use regional trail path, including the Centennial Regional Trail and Whitehorse Regional Trail, or on any part of a highway designated for bicycle use. Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on a shared-use path.
Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping young riders understand where these vehicles may be used and what state law requires. To determine how a vehicle is classified, it is important to refer to the applicable legal definition under Washington law.
⚠️ A good rule of thumb for parents: A vehicle that can exceed 20 mph using only electric power is not considered an electric-assisted bicycle under state law.
Learn more:
🔗 Enhanced Senate Bill 6110:https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Passed%20Legislature/6110-S.PL.pdf
🔗 WSDOT e-bike definitions: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/bicycling-walking/bicycling-washington/bicyclist-laws-safety
🔗 Snohomish County Trail Website: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/1182/Trails