WashingtonState work group will recommend rules for electric motorcycles
The Department of Licensing must convene a work group to recommend electric motorcycle rules and report its ideas to state officials by 2027.
What it does
The Department of Licensing must bring together a work group to recommend rules for electric motorcycles, including how they are classified, who may ride them, and what safety rules may apply.
The group must send an interim report with recommendations and draft legislation by December 15, 2026, then a final report with any recommendations or draft legislation by October 31, 2027.
The text defines electric-assisted bicycles by their working pedals, motor power, and three speed classes, and excludes some vehicles that can go faster using motor power alone.
Argument forThe study could help riders, local officials, and trail users understand how electric motorcycles should be classified and what safety rules apply.
Argument againstThe group's recommendations could lead to age limits, licensing rules, or penalties that restrict young riders or affect families who provide them with electric motorcycles.
More detail
The Department of Licensing must convene a work group to study electric motorcycles and recommend a legal framework. The group includes state transportation and safety officials, local and tribal representatives, and people or organizations connected to bicycles, motorcycles, parks, and trails; the department may add others. The department may hire an outside consultant to support the work group and help draft the framework. The group must send an interim report by December 15, 2026, and a final report by October 31, 2027.
The work group must send reports with recommendations to state officials. Reports go to the governor's office and the legislature's transportation committees. The interim report must include draft legislation on vehicle definitions or classifications and related recommendations on fees, licensing, education, road rules, and equipment. The final report must include any recommendations or draft legislation. The interim report is due December 15, 2026. The final report is due October 31, 2027.
The text defines which vehicles qualify as electric-assisted bicycles. The definition covers two- or three-wheeled bicycles with working pedals and an electric motor rated at no more than 750 watts. A vehicle is excluded if it can go faster than 20 miles per hour using only its electric motor, or if its maker or seller designed or intended it to be easily changed so it no longer meets the bicycle requirements.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 23Effective date 6/11/2026*.Latest
- Mar 23Chapter 159, 2026 Laws.Major
- Mar 23Governor Bob Ferguson signed.Became Law
- Mar 12Delivered to Governor.To Governor
- Mar 11Speaker signed.Major
- Mar 11President signed.Passed House
- Mar 10Passed final passage; yeas, 44; nays, 4; absent, 0; excused, 1.Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Final Passage as Amended by the House (#15). Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 10Senate concurred in House amendments.
- Mar 4Third reading, passed; yeas, 91; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 4.Minor
- Vote recorded Final Passage as Amended by the House (#29). Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 4Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Mar 4Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.
- Mar 4Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.Minor
- Mar 2Referred to Rules 2 Review.Minor
- Mar 2TR - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).Minor
- Mar 2Executive action taken in the House Committee on Transportation at 1:00 PM.
- Feb 26Public hearing in the House Committee on Transportation at 1:30 PM.
- Feb 14First reading, referred to Transportation.Minor
- Feb 11Third reading, passed; yeas, 42; nays, 7; absent, 0; excused, 0.Minor
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading & Final Passage (#31). Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 11Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Feb 11Floor amendment(s) adopted.
- Feb 111st substitute bill substituted (TRAN 26).Major
- Feb 10Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.Minor
- Feb 2Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
- Jan 29Minority; without recommendation.Minor
- Jan 29Minority; do not pass.Minor
- Jan 29TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.Major
- Jan 29Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 4:00 PM.
- Jan 26Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 4:00 PM.
- Jan 14First reading, referred to Transportation.Introduced
TransportationPublic Safety