E-Bike Safety | City of Mill Creek

Electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric motorcycles (e-motorcycles) are very different devices and have different safety requirements to be operated in Mill Creek.

E-Bikes Versus E-Motorcycles

Photo of an electronic bicycle (or e-bike).

E-Bicycles (E-Bikes)

Have pedals.
May have electric assistance, such as a motor.
Must follow speed limits.
Must follow Mill Creek regulations.

Photo of an electronic motorcycle (or e-motorcycle).

E-Motorcycles

Have only footpegs (not powered by pedals).
Motor-powered.
Require road legal safety features.
Require a driving endorsement or license
Require safety gear.

E-Bike Requirements

Electric bicycles are regulated like manual bikes, skateboards, and similar wheeled devices. They do not require a license, though some areas in Mill Creek prohibit their use on sidewalks (MCMC10.16 & MCMC10.28), and they must follow speed limits (up to 20 mph without pedaling, 28 mph with pedaling if equipped with a speedometer).

E-Motorcycle Requirements

Electric motorcycles are very different. The use of all motorcycles (gas and electric) must meet several legal requirements in the City of Mill Creek. These requirements include:

License

Driving endorsement (age 18+) or full driver’s license.

Safety Features

Street legal safety features, such as: headlights, brake lights, mirrors, tires, fenders, and a horn (RCW46.37.530).

Safety Gear

Safety gear, including a DOT-approved helmet.

Traffic Laws

Knowledge of and adherence to local traffic laws.

Responsibility

Responsible riding, in addition to traffic law.

E-Bike and E-Motorcycle Safety Risks

Parents and guardians should ensure young riders understand the risks of e-motorcycles versus e-bikes and follow local regulations.

Letting children and unlicensed drivers operate e-motorcycles poses numerous safety risks to the driver and the community:

Lack of Experience

Young riders often do not have the driving skills to safely maneuver, handle road hazards, or control the speed and acceleration of e-motorcycles.

No Safety Features

Many electric motorcycles are not equipped with essential safety parts, such as brake lights, turn signals, or mirrors. These are required under state law for safe motorcycle operation.

High Injury Risk

Inexperienced riders are more likely to crash. And a minor accident can result in serious injury, especially without protective gear.

No Training or Licensing

Riders under 16 do not qualify for motorcycle permits. Unpermitted or fully licensed drivers have not completed safety courses required for legal motorcyclists.