Know the Rules: E-Bikes and E-Scooters

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in Ridgefield, especially among teens and young adults. But not all electric bikes are the same—and some are actually motorcycles in disguise.

Before riding, it’s important to understand where and how to ride safely. 

Accessibility - Powered Wheelchairs and Powered Scooters

Under Washington State Law, WAC 516-15-010, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters for persons with disabilities are defined as pedestrians. The regulations on this page do not apply to powered wheelchairs and scooters for persons with disabilities.


Quick Guide

  1. E-Bike Handout (PDF)

Where Can I Ride?

In Ridgefield, we want everyone to enjoy using our roads, parks, trails and sidewalks safely. This means paying close attention to safety measures, regulations and laws about where and how to ride when sharing the area with vehicles, other cyclists and pedestrians.

E-scooters and all classes of e-bikes are permitted to ride on the road. They must follow all laws of the road like any other bicycle (stop signs, speed limits, etc.) and may not interfere with or restrict the flow of vehicle traffic.

Can it go over 20 mph?

If you have a motorized cycle that can be powered OVER 20 mph with the motor:

  • It is not allowed on any sidewalks, trails or multi-use paths. 
  • You must be 16 or older to ride. 

Can it go over 28 mph?

If you have a motorized cycle that can be powered OVER 28 mph with the motor: 

  • It is not allowed on any sidewalks, trails or multi-use paths. 
  • It is legally classified as a motorcycle and all laws that apply to gas-powered motorcycles apply:
      • The vehicle must be registered with the WA Department of Motor Vehicles
      • The driver must have a valid driver’s license, and possibly a motorcycle endorsement.

Is it an electric scooter, skateboard or longboard?

E-scooters (motorized foot scooters) are not allowed on sidewalks, but may be used on roads, bike lanes, and trails—unless signs say otherwise. RCW 46.61.710

IF A TRAIL IS SIGNED ‘NO MOTOR VEHICLES,’ NONE OF THESE DEVICES ARE PERMITTED

Electric powered bicycles, scooters, etc. are motorized vehicles and are not permitted on any trail or path with a sign that states no motor vehicles.

Safe Riding on the Road

E-scooters and all classes of e-bikes are permitted to ride on the road. Operators must follow all road rules and avoid riding in a way that endangers people, property or obstructs travel. 

When riding on a roadway, a bicyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers. A bicycle is a legal vehicle, just like a car, and bicyclists who violate traffic laws may be ticketed

  • Stop at stop signs and yield the right-of-way. Check carefully for traffic and pedestrians and proceed when it is safe to do so. 
    • Bicyclists have the option to treat a stop sign as a yield sign unless the stop sign is located at a railroad crossing or a school bus uses a "stop" signal. 
  • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. 
  • Obey posted speed limits.
  • Be visible and predictable. Use lights and reflectors in dark or near dark conditions. Do not weave in and out of traffic. 
  • Wear appropriate gear, including a helmet with chin strap. 
  • Pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid wearing ear buds.


Pocket Bikes, Pocket Rockets, and Minibikes

Pocket bikes, Pocket Rockets, Minibikes and other miniature motorcycles are not street legal without being registered as either a moped or motorcycle. They are not permitted on sidewalks, trails or bike lanes.

These motorcycles can be run with either an internal combustion or an electric engine. An electric engine may make them quiet, but it does not make them legal.

These small, motorized vehicles are often mistaken for legal e-bikes—but they’re not. Pocket bikes, Pocket Rockets, and minibikes are not legal for public road, trail, or sidewalk use. If they are fully registered as motorcycles or mopeds, they may be used on roads, but never sidewalks or trails.

Where Can I Ride My Electric Motorcycle?

If you’ve found you have purchased an electric motorcycle that is not permitted on Ridgefield’s roads and trails, you may be wondering where you can ride this device. Your vehicle may be permitted on Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) trails within the Yacolt Burn State Forest.

  • The Jones Creek Trail system and forest roads within the Yacolt Burn State Forest are open to motorized ORV use.
  • Check State ORV Regulations to confirm your device is allowed.

Rule Violations

Ridgefield Police Department’s priority is public safety. As such, it will enforce e-bike, e-scooter and traffic laws and rules outlined here. That includes making sure bicycles and e-bikes are ridden correctly, safely, and considerately. It also includes identifying illegal e-motorcycles. Violators of these rules are subject to penalties, including citations and device impoundment. If you are going to ride an e-bike, know the rules; know your e-bike classification; and ride safely.

This effort is not about enforcement, it’s about education. We want parents and riders to be aware, make informed decisions, and ensure these devices are used in a legal, safe, and responsible manner.

Parents, Please Read

E-bikes and E-scooters are very popular with youth in Ridgefield. It is critical for parents to teach children how to safely and legally operate them. Please have a conversation with your children about where and how they can ride safely. 

  • If the bike's motor can power it over 20 mph, they must be 16 to ride and may only ride on the road.
  • If the bike's motor can power it over 28 mph, it must be registered as a motorcycle (have a license plate) and the driver must have a valid driver's license.
  • E-scooters are never permitted on sidewalks. 
  • Electric powered bikes and scooters are considered motorized vehicles and are not permitted on trails signed "no motor vehicles."
  • Ensure your child understands how to safely ride their bike without endangering those around them.

Riding on two wheels can be fun, but can also pose serious risks, especially for young or inexperienced riders. 


Next Steps

E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular among Ridgefield youth, and with that growth, the number of accidents and near-misses is rising. To give students a voice in shaping solutions, the City Council is creating a Youth Commission, an advisory board of 8th–12th grade students, to study the issue and recommend rules and regulations to keep riders, pedestrians, and drivers safe.

The Youth Commission’s recommendations will be presented to City Council, and could lead to updates in local regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters.