SPOKANE — Starting next week, Washington state will restrict children and teenagers from riding powerful electric bicycles that lawmakers have reclassified as electric motorcycles due to safety concerns.
The new law, effective Thursday, June 11, prohibits anyone younger than 16 from operating e-bikes with motors exceeding 750 watts of power or capable of traveling faster than 20 mph.
Violators between ages 12 and 16 could face citations, while riders 16 and older must carry a valid driver’s license or permit.
Washington legislators are classifying any electric-assisted bicycle that has a motor with over 750W of power, or that can go over 20mph as an electric motorcycle. One of their goals is to provide a distinction between e-bikes and electric motorcycles.
Local bike shop mechanics have noticed the trend toward more powerful devices that exceed their repair capabilities.
“I have had to turn down regularly….and more frequently… have had to turn down repairs because they’re literally motorcycles,” said Mark Wisdom, a local bike mechanic. “Like we don’t have the parts, the tools. Like we can’t work on these things.”
Wisdom confirmed demand remains high among young customers. “We get asked for them all the time, and we have to explain to people that that is literally not what we do,” he said.
Not all parents support the restrictions. “It’s a bit ridiculous. 20 mph is a bit of a low bar to set,” said CJ Haun, a parent of teenagers. “I understand we’re trying to protect our children, but I believe there’s ways to do that without setting these very strict, un-adherable laws in place.”
The new classification creates a legal distinction between traditional e-bikes and electric motorcycles. Devices exceeding the 750-watt power threshold or 20 mph speed limit will be treated as motorcycles, requiring appropriate licensing and age restrictions.
Parents and teens should review their current e-bikes to ensure compliance before June 11.
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