Auburn City Council approves e-bike regulations

Published 11:36 am Thursday, August 13, 2026

An e-bike may look like a bicycle, but it’s more muscular, goes faster.

Reckless riding incidents involving minors are on the rise, and natural areas have suffered damage, but Auburn Police say the city code has not provided them enough enforcement options to deal with the problems e-bikes and electric motorcycles cause.

Until now.

Hard on the heels of recent changes to Washington state law, the Auburn City Council approved new regulations Aug. 3 governing the use of these electric vehicles. The new state regulations clarify the classifications of electric-assisted bicycles and motorcycles and provide a regulatory framework for electric motorcycles.

“This ordinance helps remove some of the confusion surrounding these vehicles and gives our officers clearer standards to apply when unsafe behavior occurs,” Auburn Police Chief Mark Caillier told council members.“Our focus is not on responsible riders; it is on preventing reckless operation that puts pedestrians and other members of the public at risk, not to mention the riders.”

Auburn is now among the Washington communities that have adopted or considered local regulations as faster, more powerful electric vehicles take to roads and trails.

Here’s what the new ordinance says and does:

• Amends the Auburn City Code and creates a new chapter specifically addressing e-bikes and electric motorcycles.

• More clearly distinguishes legal class 1, class 2, and class 3 electric-assisted bicycles from higher-powered electric motorcycles, while providing the city with additional tools to address unsafe and unlawful use.

• Defines class 3 e-bicycles as those equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist when the bicycle reaches a top speed of 28 mph.

• Prohibits class 3 electric-assisted bicycles from being operated on sidewalks, pedestrian paths, shared-use paths, park trails or within city-owned parks, open spaces and other city property, except in parking lots. The ordinance also prohibits all classes of electric-assisted bicycles within parks that contain bicycle-specific facilities.

• Generally defines electric motorcycles as an electric-powered motorcycle that does not have fully operable pedals, does not exceed 750 watts, or continues to provide motor assistance at speeds greater than 28 mph.

• Prohibits any one younger than 16 from operating electric motorcycles in Auburn and requires users to have have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. The vehicle must be registered with the Washington State Department of Licensing and display a valid license plate. Electric motorcycles must also meet state requirements before taking to public streets or roads.

• Electric motorcycles are prohibited on sidewalks, pedestrian paths, shared-use paths and park trails, and within city-owned or controlled parks, open spaces and other city property, with the exception of parking lots.

“Our trails and pathways are used for walking, strolling, running, and bicycling,” said Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Julie Krueger. “These clearer rules will help protect those spaces from the higher speeds of Class 3 E-bikes and electric motorcycles. These laws are about making our parks safer for every rider, preserving sensitive areas and ensuring they remain an accessible outlet for generations to come.”

Parents, legal guardians, and other adults responsible for supervising minors may not knowingly allow a minor in their care to violate the ordinance. Guardians who permit a violation may be held jointly responsible with the minor for the resulting penalties.

The Auburn Police Department also may issue civil infractions and impound electric-assisted bicycles or electric motorcycles operated in violation of the ordinance. Violators are also responsible for applicable impound, towing, storage, and court costs.

Penalties for electric motorcycle violations are:

• $250 for a first violation

• $500 for a second violation

• $750 for a third or subsequent violation

Penalties for electric-assisted bicycle violations are:

• $125 for a first violation

• $250 for a second violation

• $375 for a third or subsequent violation

The City plans to provide public education explaining the differences between electric-assisted bicycles and electric motorcycles, where the vehicles may legally be operated and the responsibilities of riders, parents and guardians. The Spring 2026 edition of the Auburn Magazine provided an overview of the classifications.

“E-bikes can be a fun and convenient way to get around, but they must be operated responsibly,” said Mayor Nancy Backus. “These regulations give riders and families clearer expectations while helping us protect everyone who uses Auburn’s streets, sidewalks, trails and parks.”