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”.

• Class 2 e-bikes:
• 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”.

BIKES Club allows e-bikes as follows:

• Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes are allowed on BIKES Club rides and events due to insurance limitations.
• Class 2 e-bikes are not allowed on BIKES Club rides or events. 
• 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.
• E-bike riders are responsible to know where their e-bike may be legally ridden which may conflict with the planned route.

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/