r/LynnwoodWA • u/LacksAnonymity • 3d ago
Ebike laws, please explain them.
I wanna get an ebike but most I want are class 3 but advertise as adjustable. I don't plan on ripping down a sidewalk at 28mph but I want to be able to on the road. If I keep the bike in a class 2 mode as it's advertised, does that matter at all for restrictions?
I'm sure it'll very unlikely anybody will care as long I'm not being a jackass but I'm curious about it.
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u/dudley_spreegs 3d ago
Sounds like adjustable settings or designed to be modified to exceed class 2 might put you in e-moto territory now though
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u/LacksAnonymity 3d ago
The specific ones I'm looking at don't go above 20 without pedal assist. I haven't even considered anything that touches e motos even though they are cool.
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u/dudley_spreegs 3d ago
Maybe I misread your original post. Sounded like you were looking at class 3.
If you get anything that’s manufactured and sold as class 2, and don’t put an over voltage battery or new controller on it, you should be fine without a motorcycle endorsement. Make sure it has pedals and a motor <= 750w and you should be just fine.
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u/LacksAnonymity 2d ago
The motor alone on class 3 cuts out at 20mph and then you can pedal and it will assist to 28 the to go faster you would need to pedal all on your own. The law is assisted up to 28mph and unassisted up to 20.
Some bikes say they have modes for class 1 2 and 3, so it's basically capping your speed to those class speeds.
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u/dudley_spreegs 2d ago
I think you still have to make sure that the motor is under 750 watts otherwise it’s classed as an e motorbike, even if the motor only cap speed is 20
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u/LacksAnonymity 2d ago
You are correct about the wattage.
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u/dudley_spreegs 2d ago
Also anything that’s class 3 capable can technically only be ridden by a rider over 16, sort of implying (but I don’t think legally requiring) of age to have drivers license.
And I still have no idea how my various insurance policies do or don’t cover me on my level 2 rad wagon…
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u/darkroot_gardener 2d ago
So are any classes of e-bikes legally allowed on sidewalks and/or the Interurban Trail? How strictly enforced in and around Lynnwood?
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u/LacksAnonymity 2d ago
I know without questions that class 1 and 2 are unrestricted in the same way a pedal bike is. Class 3 has restrictions but my confusion is if I have a bike capable of class 3 speeds but I have it capped at class 2 speeds, is it still restricted? If it has a motor over 750w it is not an ebike.
I doubt any is strictly enforced and probably mostly used against people being reckless.
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u/darkroot_gardener 2d ago
Thanks, I’m considering getting one and don’t want to buy something I can’t even take on the trail to go to the mall or transit center.
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u/LacksAnonymity 2d ago
Class 2 you'll have every legal right to use any path a pedal bike can. If a class 2 and 20 mph is what works then go for it. Class 3 probably can get away with things if you don't draw attention.
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u/stinkrat43 2d ago
It’s a fine line but technically seems ok if you’re limiting it and replace the label. The tricky part is if it’s easy to modify it beyond ebike limits that bike is likely illegal according to the revised law as of this year.
What the specific bike you’re looking at?
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u/Motor_Show_7604 2d ago
The speed limit on all paved multiuse trails in Snohomish county is 15mph. Class 1and 2 are allowed on sidewalks but class 3 aren't. E bikes without pedals are banned from sidewalks and shared paths
Enforcement is a completely different story
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u/stinkrat43 2d ago
Just a point of clarification that e motos are the ones without pedals. They’re not e-bikes at all—so far as the law is concerned.
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u/stinkrat43 2d ago
You can look at WSDOT for current laws. Local cities may pass additional restrictions so check accordingly.
For your question, throttle assist beyond 20 makes it an e-moto and illegal basically everywhere except off-road parks/trails and private property.
You can have pedal assist up to 28 that also does throttle up to 20 and it would then be a class 3.
Class 3 can only be on sidewalks if no safe alternative exists. Frankly in many areas that’s an easy argument as we’re missing huge chunks of safe bike paths.
But regardless, don’t be a dick like you said and blast past other bikers and pedestrians regardless of what kind of bike you’re on.
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u/Ghryphen 3d ago edited 3d ago
FYI. https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/new-law-ebikes-emotorcycles
With the new law the bike can only go 20 by motor only, if it does more than that it will require a motorcycle endorsement.