{"id":1417,"date":"2026-06-04T11:46:31","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T17:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wenatcheeinsurance.com\/blog\/?p=1417"},"modified":"2026-06-04T11:46:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T17:46:32","slug":"is-it-an-e-bike-or-motorcycle-in-washington-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wenatcheeinsurance.com\/blog\/is-it-an-e-bike-or-motorcycle-in-washington-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it an E-Bike or Motorcycle in Washington State?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"e-bike<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beginning June 11, Washington state has made a major change around your E-Bike<\/a>. Washington state recently updated its laws through Enhanced Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 6110<\/a> to better define the difference between electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) and electric motorcycles. With new technology, we see an update of laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2013, Washington state allowed for Electronic Proof of insurance<\/a>. In 2019, we saw Washington State require motorcycles to be insured. As the laws change in Washington state, Wenatchee Insurance will be ready. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your E-Bike has:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Fully operational Pedals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Has an electric motor rated at 750 watts or less.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Can not exceed 20 mph on electric motor alone.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    then your E-Bike is still considered an E-Bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If it does not meet those standards then it is considered a motorcycle and you may have additional requirements like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. A valid driver’s license<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Vehicle Registration<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Insurance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Helmet<\/a> Requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Compliance with traffic laws. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      The old laws for a motor driven scooter<\/a> had them not to exceed Five Horsepower. There are E-Bikes<\/a> out there that can exceed 50 mph. E-Bikes with more than 1000 watt<\/a> motors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Motorcycle Helmet<\/a> 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<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To be insured in Washington state you must carry a minimum liability of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n