Washington state law outlines clear distinctions between traditional bicycles, e-bikes and electric motorcycles:

• Bicycles are powered solely by human pedaling (no motor).
• E-Bikes are bicycles that can be assisted by an electric motor and always have pedals that rotate. Some e-bikes only provide electric assistance when the rider is pedaling. Others can propel the e-bike using electric power alone. Legal e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20 mph (Class 1 and 2) or 28 mph (Class 3). An e-bike motor will never exceed 750 watts of power.
• Electric Motorcycles are powered solely by an electric motor and often don’t have moving pedals. They have foot pegs, other brackets or supports. Without moving pedals capable of propelling, or with pedals that can operate at speeds over 20 mph while powered solely by the motor, is classified as a motorcycle.

Key rules for all bicycle and e-bike riders include:

• Yield to people walking: When riding on sidewalks or crosswalks, you must always yield to people walking or traveling with an assisted mobility device. Slow down, use a bell or your voice when passing, and give people walking the right of way.
• Obey Traffic Signs and Signals: People riding e-bikes must follow all traffic laws that apply to bicycles.
• Ride Where Comfortable and Only Where Allowed: Bicycles and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes may operate on paths, shoulders, general-purpose lanes, sidewalks, or bike lanes - whichever best suits the rider’s safety needs (RCW 46.61.770). Class 3 e-bikes, however, are not permitted on sidewalks or trails.
• Age Restrictions: To legally operate a Class 3 e-bike on public roads or trails in Washington, you must be at least 16 years old. There is no state-mandated minimum age for Class 1 or 2 e-bikes, but parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring minors ride safely.
• Helmet Use: The law requires all bicycle or e-bike riders to wear a helmet. Helmets must be securely fastened and properly fitted – they significantly reduce the risk of serious head injury in a crash.
• Light Requirements: When riding at night or in low-light conditions, state law requires using a white front headlight and a red rear taillight (RCW 46.61.780). 

If you witness someone operating an e-bike or e-motorcycle in an unsafe or unlawful manner, here’s what you can do:

• Emergencies or Dangerous Behavior in Progress: Call 911 immediately if you see dangerous or illegal behavior happening in real time—such as aggressive riding on a sidewalk that endangers people walking or any situation posing an immediate safety risk.
•  Non-Emergencies/After the Fact: If the incident is no longer in progress or not an immediate threat, call the non-emergency line at 253-798-4721 (Steilacoom) or 253-287-4455 (DuPont).
• If the incident occurred on one of SHSD's school campuses, send an email to the applicable school principal and sbeauchaine@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

The Washington State Department of Transportation website has additional information on this topic.