Oak Harbor warns e-bike riders as enforcement begins on new law

Oak Harbor police began a six-week warning period on June 23 after Washington’s new SB 6110 took effect. The city warned that riders who thought they were on ordinary e-bikes may now be operating vehicles that fall under motorcycle rules, with registration, insurance and licensing requirements attached.

Under the new law, a qualifying electric-assisted bicycle must have fully operable pedals, two or three wheels, and a motor of no more than 750 watts. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes stop assisting at 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes stop assisting at 28 mph and must have a speedometer. The law also excludes vehicles capable of exceeding 20 mph on electric power alone and those designed to be easily reconfigured out of e-bike compliance.

E-motorcycles may require registration, insurance, a licensed rider and a motorcycle endorsement. Riders under 16 are barred from riding e-motorcycles on city streets or in parks, and they are also barred from riding Class 3 e-bikes. No e-motorcycles are allowed in Oak Harbor city parks.

Oak Harbor police officers will make stops and educate riders for the next six weeks before issuing infractions.

The state law behind the change became Chapter 159, Laws of 2026, after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed SB 6110 on March 23. The measure was sponsored by Sens. Shewmake, Marko Liias, Annette Cleveland and T’wina Nobles, and it took effect on June 11. Washington’s Traffic Safety Commission has also rolled out an E-Ride Guide covering what Washington law calls a ride, where it can be used and who can use it.

The Department of Licensing has been directed to convene a workgroup to recommend a revised framework for electric motorcycles, including definitions, registration and license fees, age and education requirements, rules of the road, equipment standards and enforcement options.