Regarding e-bikes

Human-only powered bicycles have grown in popularity and have evolved through a variety of configurations since the mid-1800s.  The e-bike is a relatively new variation that is a rapidly growing segment of the bicycling community.  E-bikes provide an electro-mechanical assistance to the human power on a bicycle. 

What is generally referred to as an “e-bike” is defined in Washington state (refer to RCW 46.04.169) as an electric-assisted bicycle with 2 or 3 wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor providing power output of no more than 750 watts.  There are 3 classifications of e-bikes:

Class 1 e-bikes

• The motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling.
• The motor ceases to provide assistance at 20 MPH. 
• May be referred to as “pedal-assist up to 20 MPH”.

• The motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle.
• The motor ceases to provide propulsion at 20 MPH. 
• Pedaling for propulsion is optional.
• A throttle is a common term used to describe the feature used to control power in motor vehicles.  May be referred to as “throttle-controlled”.

Class 3 e-bikes

• The motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling.
• The motor ceases to provide assistance at 28 MPH.
• A speedometer is included. 
• May be referred to as “pedal-assist up to 28 MPH”.

E-bike Policy

Revised 9/14/23

BIKES Club allows e-bikes as follows

• Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes are allowed on all BIKES Club group rides.
• Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on social-pace and steady-pace BIKES Club group rides. Class 2 e-bikes are not allowed on moderate-pace, brisk-pace, and strenuous-pace group rides.
• All street-legal e-bikes are allowed on the McClinchy Mile Camano Climb event. 
• Throttle controlled e-bikes, and any configurations where the motor is used for propulsion without pedaling, are not allowed on any BIKES Club rides or events.
• All e-bike riders shall follow all the customary rider courtesy and safety requirements expected of all riders, such as staying with the group (not riding far ahead or falling far behind) by maintaining the set pace.
• Since BIKES Club is a cycling club, it is expected that class 2 e-bike riders will primarily pedal and use the throttle sparingly.
• Since state and local laws regulate where each class of e-bike can legally ride, all e-bike rider shall be responsible for ascertaining the legality of riding their e-bike on a club group ride (by reviewing the route ahead of time). If the route uses streets or trails where regulations prohibit the use of certain classes of e-bikes, it is the responsibility of the rider to comply with this requirement and leave the ride or depart from that portion of the route.
• All e-bike riders shall be self-sufficient with regards to their battery use. The Ride Leader will not be able to assist if the e-bike rider's battery is depleted and therefore cannot keep pace with the group. 

Links for more information regarding e-bikes

• RCW 46.04.169 “Electric-assisted bicycle – Class 1 electric-assisted bicycle – Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle – Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle” https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.04.169
• RCW 46.61.710 “Mopeds, EPAMDs, motorized foot scooters, personal delivery devices, electric-assisted bicycles, class 1 electric-assisted bicycles, class 2 electric-assisted bicycles, class 3 electric-assisted bicycles – General requirements and operation” https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.710
• Summary from Washington Bikes & Cascade Bicycle Club published June 6, 2018 “Here’s what you need to know about Washington’s new e-bike law” http://wabikes.org/2018/06/06/heres-need-know-washingtons-new-e-bike-law/