Bicycle and electric-assisted bicycle
Seattle Mun. Code § 11.14.055
in effect11.14.055 - Bicycle and electric-assisted bicycle
A. "Bicycle" means every device propelled solely by human power, or an electric-assisted bicycle, upon which a person or persons may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is 16 inches or more in diameter, or three wheels, any one of which is 20 inches or more in diameter.
B. "Electric-assisted bicycle" means a bicycle with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor. The electric-assisted bicycle's electric motor shall have a power output of no more than 750 watts. The electric-assisted bicycle must meet the requirements of one of the following four classifications:
1. "Class 1 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle in which the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour;
2. "Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle in which the motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour;
3. "Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle in which the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour and is equipped with a speedometer; or
4. "Electric-assisted commercial cargo bicycle" (e-cargo bicycle or e-cargo bike) means an electric-assisted bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power of less than or equal to 750 watts, designed for the distribution of commercial freight, goods, parcels, food, or services, and that has two, three, or four wheels.
(Ord. 127314, § 1, 2025; Ord. 126517, § 1, 2021; Ord. 125944, § 1, 2019; Ord. 124950, § 1, 2015; Ord. 108200, § 2(11.14.090), 1979.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT11VETR_SUBTITLE_ITRCO_PT1GEPRAD_CH11.14DE_11.14.055BIELSIBIFetched: 11/1/2026