The sun is out, local parks and trails are calling, and residents are answering that call by foot and by wheel. Some of us opt for e-bikes and e-scooters. If you are planning your next adventure in North Bend on one of these, please be sure to familiarize yourself with the local laws that are here to ensure the safety of everyone sharing our roads and trails.
E-Bike and E-Scooter Use Laws
- Operators must follow all road rules and avoid negligent operation that endangers people or property or obstructs lawful travel.
- E-scooters and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks unless no alternative exists.
- Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on shared-use paths
Legal Electric Wheeled Recreational Devices
- Electric bikes 750 watts or below: Check your bike for information on make, model, and specifications. Bikes from 2018 onward must have the class number, top assisted speed, and wattage labeled on the bike itself.
- Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles: These e-bikes stop assisting propulsion at 20 mph. Class 1 motors provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling, while Class 2 motors can exclusively propel the bicycle.
- Class 3 electric bicycles: These e-bikes assist only when the rider pedals and stops at 28 mph. They come with speedometers and have specific regulations: riders must be 16 or older, and these bikes cannot be used on shared-use paths, sidewalks (unless there is no alternative), or trails designated as non-motorized with natural surfaces.
- E-scooters
Illegal E-Bikes
- Electric-looking dirt bikes –These are not legal on public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, parks, or trails, even if equipped with taillights or blinkers. To be street legal, they would require a license plate, registration, and insurance, similar to a motorcycle.
For details on the City’s trail use regulations, such as maximum speed limit on trails (15 mph being the absolute max) and more, read North Bend Municipal Code (NBMC) 12.04.190. The Snoqualmie Police Department, Eastside Fire and Rescue and the City of North Bend strongly recommend reducing your risk of injury by wearing a helmet when riding any human-powered, wheeled transportation.
