08/29/2026
Do you know the difference?
During the summer, the Sedro-Woolley Police Department has responded to over a dozen motor vehicle collisions involving E-Scooters and E-Dirt Bikes. Some kids and adults have ended up with lacerations and contusions, while a few have ended up with broken bones and critical injuries. They are not a first responder's favorite.
We get a lot of questions from parents about E-Bikes and Scooters. E-Bikes are separated into 3 classes and are often confused with E-Motorcycles.
E-motorcycles' sole power source is an electric motor, and they often don’t have moving pedals. They have foot pegs, other brackets, or supports. Without moving pedals capable of propelling it, the cycle is classified as a motorcycle. That means they are illegal to ride on any roadway unless the rider is licensed (16+), has an MC endorsement, and wears a DOT compliant helmet. The E-MC itself must be licensed and equipped with all required equipment, such as brake lights, turn signals, and headlights. E-MCs designed like dirt bikes have always been illegal because they are considered off-road vehicles.
CLASS 1 E-Bikes: These e-bikes assist up to 20 mph and provide electric assistance only while the rider is pedaling. They can be ridden anywhere traditional bikes are permitted – including on mixed-use trails, in bike lanes, and on roads – unless otherwise noted. Such notification includes posted signs prohibiting motorized vehicles. The Sedro-Woolley Muni Code requires riders to wear a helmet. No bike is allowed on the sidewalk downtown.
Class 2 E-Bikes: These e-bikes assist up to 20 mph but have a throttle that can propel the bike without pedaling. They can be ridden anywhere traditional bikes are permitted – including on mixed-use trails, in bike lanes, and on roads – unless otherwise noted. Such notification includes posted signs prohibiting motorized vehicles. The Sedro-Woolley Muni Code requires riders to wear a helmet. No bike is allowed on the sidewalk downtown.
Class 3 E-Bikes: These e-bikes assist up to 28 mph and have additional rules. They also have speedometers. The rider must be at least 16 years of age. They can be ridden on roads and paved trails that allow motorized vehicles, but not on soft-surface trails. Class 3 E-bikes are also prohibited on sidewalks and shared-use paths. The Sedro-Woolley Muni Code requires riders to wear a helmet. No bike is allowed on the sidewalk downtown.
Rules of the Road for ALL Riders:
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.
Sedro-Woolley Municipal Code 10.92.055- HELMETS REQUIRED
An e-bike that goes faster than 28 mph is NOT an e-bike. It is an electric motorcycle, and different laws apply.
Riders of E-Bikes and E-Motorcycles are subject to fines when they violate traffic laws. Riders under the age of 18 may have their E-Motorcycle or E-Bike seized for violating RCW or SWMC. Only the parent or legal guardian of the minor violator, or an adult owner, can reclaim the E-Motorcycle or E-Bike.
For more information, check out the city website under E-Bikes and E-Motorcycles. Answering questions in the comment section is not easy for us. A better way to get answers about any issue or incident involving SWPD is to call 360-428-3211 to speak with an on-duty Sedro-Woolley Officer.
