SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5452
As of February 17, 2021
Title: An act relating to electric-assisted bicycles.
Brief Description: Concerning electric-assisted bicycles.
Sponsors: Senators Cleveland, Liias and Wilson, J..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/18/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires local and state agencies with jurisdiction of a non-motorized natural surface trail that is open to use by bicycles, to allow class 1 electric-assisted bicycles to use the trail.
  • Requires local and state agencies with jurisdiction of a road open to non motorized use that allows bicycles, to allow class 1 and class 3 electric-assisted bicycles.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Kimberly Johnson (786-7472)
Background:

Electric-assisted bicycle, or e-bike, means a bicycle with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor.  The motor must have a power output of no more than 750 watts and the electric-assisted bicycle must meet the requirements of one of the three following classifications:

  • class 1—in which the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph;
  • class 2—in which the motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph; or
  • class 3—in which the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph and is equipped with a speedometer.


Persons under the age of 16 may not operate a class 3 e-bike.  There is no age limit for the operation of class 1 and 2 e-bikes.


There are various restrictions on where the different classes of e-bikes may be operated, for example, all classes of e-bikes may be operated on a fully controlled limited access highway and class 1 and 2 e-bikes may be used on a sidewalk.  Class 3 e-bikes may not be used on a sidewalk unless there is no alternative to travel over a sidewalk as part of a bicycle or pedestrian path. 

Generally, a person may not operate an e-bike on a trail that is designated as non-motorized and that has a natural surface, unless otherwise authorized by the state agency or local authority having jurisdiction over the trail.

 

State Lands.  Currently, the Parks and Recreation Commission is managing the use of e-bikes as a bicycle.  The Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources are managing e-bikes as motorized vehicles.
Summary of Bill:

Local and state agencies with jurisdiction over a non-motorized, natural surface trail that is open to bicycles must allow the operation of a class 1 electric-assisted bicycles. However, a local or state agency having jurisdiction over the trail may close the trail to bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles, via an open public process, to protect wildlife or natural resources or to preserve public safety.  

 

Local and state agencies with jurisdiction over a road that is limited to non-motorized access that allow bicycles, must allow class 1 and class 3 electric-assisted bicycles.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 17, 2021.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.