Beginning June 11, Washington state has made a major change around your E-Bike. Washington state recently updated its laws through Enhanced Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 6110 to better define the difference between electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) and electric motorcycles. With new technology, we see an update of laws.
In 2013, Washington state allowed for Electronic Proof of insurance. In 2019, we saw Washington State require motorcycles to be insured. As the laws change in Washington state, Wenatchee Insurance will be ready.
If your E-Bike has:
- Fully operational Pedals
- Has an electric motor rated at 750 watts or less.
- Can not exceed 20 mph on electric motor alone.
then your E-Bike is still considered an E-Bike.
If it does not meet those standards then it is considered a motorcycle and you may have additional requirements like:
- A valid driver’s license
- Vehicle Registration
- Insurance
- Helmet Requirements
- Compliance with traffic laws.
The old laws for a motor driven scooter had them not to exceed Five Horsepower. There are E-Bikes out there that can exceed 50 mph. E-Bikes with more than 1000 watt motors.
Motorcycle Helmet means means a protective covering for the head consisting of a hard outer shell, padding adjacent to and inside the outer shell, and a neck or chin strap type retention system, with the manufacturer’s certification for the Department of Transportation. Be aware of unsafe or novelty helmets.
To be insured in Washington state you must carry a minimum liability of:
- $25,000 for injuries or death to another person
- $50,000 for injuries or death to all other people
- $10,000 for damage to another person’s property.
Wenatchee Insurance is an independent insurance agency that has multiple companies to insure E-bikes or Motorcycles. If you would like assistance then let us know.
