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New WA law creates strict limits for e-bike riders
Starting June 11, e-bikes in Washington are officially capped at 20 mph. Anything faster will be legally classified as a motorcycle, requiring a valid driver's license.
SEATTLE - A 14-year-old teen died on Tuesday after he crashed riding an electric bike at a Seattle bike park, according to the Seattle Police Department.
The teen was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to police.
What we know:
On Tuesday at around 6:17 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department responded to calls of a bicycle collision at the I-5 Colonadde bike park, located at 1701 Lakeview Blvd E.
The teen was riding an electric motorcycle – or e-bike – down a flight of stairs at the park, when he lost control and crashed, according to Seattle police.
The boy suffered life-threatening injuries, and later died at the scene. It is unknown how fast the boy was going at the time of the crash.
The backstory:
The crash occurred about a month after a new WA law was put into effect to establish new regulations on e-bikes, with a specific focus on restricting minors from operating high-speed models.
Why you might need a WA motorcycle endorsement for your e-bike starting next week
State lawmakers approved a new law that separates electric motorcycles from e-assisted bicycles to regulate motorized cycles on Washington roads.
The new law states e-bikes must have working pedals and cannot exceed 20 mph under motor power; faster models will be classified as motorcycles.
Because motorcycles require a driver's license, the law effectively prevents children under 16 from riding high-speed electric models.
The Source: Information in this article is from the Seattle Police Department.
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