Electric Bikes
Northwest

The Law and Electric Bicycles

Extracts from 46.04 RCW (Revised Code of Washington)

"Electric-assisted bicycle means a bicycle with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor. The electric-assisted bicycle's electric motor must have a power output of no more than one thousand Watts, be incapable of propelling the device at a speed of no more than twenty miles per hour on level ground, and incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power alone is used to propel the device beyond twenty miles per hour."

"No driver's licence is required for operation of an electric-assisted bicycle."

"Persons under sixteen years of age may not operate an electric-assisted bicycle."

The provisions (RCW 46.16.010) relating to "a current and proper vehicle licence and display vehicle licence number plates.... shall not apply to (a) Electric-assisted bicycles."

"Persons operating electric-assisted bicycles shall comply with all laws and regulations related to the use of bicycle helmets."

"Operation of a moped or an electric-assisted bicycle on a fully controlled limited access highway or a sidewalk is unlawful."

"Electric-assisted bicycles may be operated on a multipurpose trail or bicycle lane, but local jurisdictions may restrict or otherwise limit the access of electric-assisted bicycles."

Federal law is similar to Washington state law, except it restricts power to 750 Watts.

Copyright © 2006 Folding Bikes West

How do electric bike top speeds compare to how fast riders pedal their regular bicycles?

It appears that most riders—whether recreational, errands or commuting in the Seattle area—may be riding at between 12 and 16 mph on level ground, and among those more may be riding at 12-14 than than 15-16 mph. Not that many among us are able or interested in pedaling at higher continuous speed than 16 mph.

Our 250 Watt model bikes and kits produce a top speed of 15-16 mph while the 350-600 Watt models are capable of 20 mph (the legal limit under state and federal law).