Vehicle Category Definitions.

"Electric-assisted bicycle" (e-bike) means a bicycle with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor.  The e-bike's electric motor must have a power output of no more than 750 watts and must qualify as one of the following classes of bicycle:

• "Class 1 electric-assisted bicycle":  has a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour (mph).
• "Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle":  has a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.
• "Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle":  has a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph, and is equipped with a speedometer.

Vehicle and Operator Regulation.

A manufacturer or distributor of new e-bikes offered for sale or distribution in the state must:

1. permanently affix a label that contains the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage; and
2. comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

A person is prohibited from tampering with or modifying an e-bike to change the vehicle's speed capability without replacing the label when the change would result in a reclassification of the vehicle.

Provisions that apply to a bicycle or rider of a bicycle typically apply to an e-bike and an e-bike rider, except that Class 3 e-bikes may not be operated on sidewalks or shared use paths, and no e-bikes may be operated on trails designated as non-motorized or that have a natural surface.

"Electric-assisted bicycle" does not include:

1. any vehicle capable of exceeding 20 mph on solely its electric motor; or
2. any vehicle modified or designed to be easily modified to exceed the operational limitations of an e-bike. 

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is required to convene a work group to study and recommend a new statutory framework for electric motorcycles.  The work group must consist of one representative from each of the following:

• the Washington State Department of Transportation;
• the Washington Traffic Safety Commission;
• the Washington State Patrol;
• the Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety Council;
• the Association of Washington Cities;
• the Washington State Association of Counties;
• a non-profit organization specializing in active transportation or e-bike safety;
• a non-profit motorcycle organization or a motorcycle rider; and
• a statewide association representing parks and recreation.

The work group must also consist of any other representative deemed necessary by the DOL.

The work group must address the following components of a new statutory framework for electric motorcycles:

1. how electric motorcycles should be defined or classified, and any new definitions for or modifications needed to other similarly defined vehicle or mobility types;
2. if electric motorcycles should be subject to annual registration and license fees;
3. if driver licensing exams should include an e-bike or motorcycle component;
4. if the operation of an electric motorcycle should be subject to mandatory driver education requirements, or driver's license or permit requirements;
5. if the operation of an electric motorcycle should be subject to a minimum age requirement;
6. appropriate rules of the road or equipment requirements for electric motorcycles;
7. appropriate penalties for deceptive e-bike marketing practices and e-bike tampering;
8. if e-bike manufacturers and vendors should provide disclosure statements or notices to consumers regarding the type of vehicle being purchased; and
9. any other study component deemed necessary by the work group.

The work group must submit a final report, including any recommendations or draft legislation, to the Office of the Governor and the Transportation Committees of the Legislature by December 15, 2027.