Frequently Asked Questions

E-bikes (electric-assisted bicycles), electric motorcycles and other small electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular ways to get around. Users of all ages should understand local rules—as well as the differences between e-bikes and electric motorcycles. Knowing the rules helps keep you and others safe.

Is it an E-Bike or an Electric Motorcycle?

Washington state law outlines clear distinctions between traditional bicycles, e-bikes and electric motorcycles:

Bicycles are powered solely by human pedaling (no motor).

bicycle example

E-Bikes are bicycles that can be assisted by an electric motor and always have pedals that rotate. Some e-bikes only provide electric assistance when the rider is pedaling. Others can propel the e-bike using electric power alone. Legal e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20 mph (Class 1 and 2) or 28 mph (Class 3). An e-bike motor will never exceed 750 watts of power.

Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes have pedals and have maximum speed of 20mph. These follow rules for bikes: can ride on sidewalks, roads, shoulders, trails, and bike lanes.

Class 3 E-Bikes have pedals and have maximum speed over 20mph up to 28mph. Follow same rules as bikes except they cannot be ridden on sidewalks and trails. Must be 16 years old to ride.

e-Bike example

Electric Motorcycles are powered solely by an electric motor and often don’t have moving pedals. They have foot pegs, other brackets or supports. Without moving pedals capable of propelling, the cycle is classified as a motorcycle.

Electric Motorcycle

Electric motorcycles require a drivers license to operate and must follow all rules of the road. Not allowed on sidewalks, shoulders, bike lanes, or trails.

Understanding the difference between an e-bike and an electric motorcycle is critical as many electric motorcycles are marketed as e-bikes but are subject to different regulations than a traditional e-bike.

Rules of the road for E-Bikes

Riders using e-bike must follow all the same rules as a rider with a pedal bike, along with additional e-bike specific regulations. When riding on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as people walking (RCW 46.61.755). Always ride with safety and common sense.

Key rules for all bicycle and e-bike riders include:

Yield to people walking: When riding on sidewalks or crosswalks, you must always yield to people walking or traveling with an assisted mobility device. Slow down, use a bell or your voice when passing, and give people walking the right-of-way.
Obey Traffic Signs and Signals: People riding e-bikes must follow all traffic laws that apply to bicycles.
Ride Where Comfortable and Only Where Allowed: Bicycles and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes may operate on paths, shoulders, general-purpose lanes, sidewalks, or bike lanes - whichever best suits the rider’s safety needs (RCW 46.61.770). Class 3 e-bikes, however, are not permitted on sidewalks or trails.
Age Restrictions: To legally operate a Class 3 e-bike on public roads or trails in Washington, you must be at least 16 years old. There is no state-mandated minimum age for Class 1 or 2 e-bikes, but parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring minors ride safely.
Helmet Use: In Auburn the law requires all bicycle or e-bike riders to wear a helmet (ACC 11.56.185).
Light Requirements: When riding at night or in low-light conditions, state law requires using a white front headlight and a red rear taillight (RCW 46.61.780).

Electric Motorcycles are different

Electric motorcycles are classified as motor vehicles and subject to different regulations than e-bikes. They are more powerful, capable of reaching higher speeds and cannot be legally operated by anyone under the age of 16.

Electric motorcycles are also subject licensing and registration requirements, and are limited to being ridden in the street. Users whose “e-bike” meets the criteria of an electric motorcycle are required to follow the same laws that apply to the use of a gas-powered motorcycle.

What Every Electric Motorcycle Rider Must Know:

Definition and Features: Electric motorcycles are powered solely by an electric motor and cannot be motivated by pedal power, typically exceed 750 watts, and are capable of speeds greater than 28 mph.
Age and License Requirements: It is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate an electric motorcycle. Operators must also hold a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Registration and Insurance: Electric motorcycles must be registered with the Department of Licensing (DOL) and display a license plate. Washington State law also requires these vehicles to be insured. Riding an unregistered or uninsured electric motorcycle on public roads is illegal.
Equipment Requirements: Electric motorcycles are subject to the same equipment standards as gas-powered motorcycles. They must have functioning brakes, headlights, taillights, reflectors and mirrors. Riders are also required to wear a motorcycle-rated helmet (see RCW 46.37.530).
Where They Can (and Can’t) Go: As motor vehicles, electric motorcycles must follow all applicable motor vehicle laws. It is illegal to operate them on sidewalks, paths, bike lanes or multi-use trails anywhere in Washington, including Auburn parks. They are permitted only on roadways, just like any other motorcycle.
Unregistered or Unlicensed Use: Electric motorcycles that lack proper registration, insurance, required equipment or a licensed operator are classified as non-highway vehicles or as wheeled all-terrain vehicles. These vehicles are prohibited on all state and city streets, sidewalks, bike lanes and shared-use paths.

Enforcement of E-Bike and Electric Motorcycle laws

The Auburn Police Department prioritizes public safety—and that includes safe operation of e-bikes and electric motorcycles. Officers will enforce traffic and device-specific laws to help protect everyone on the road. Individuals riding e-bikes or electric motorcycles recklessly, endangering others, or violating the rules outlined here may be stopped and could face penalties, including citations, fines, criminal charges, or tow impound where legal authority allows.

As a rider, it’s your responsibility to understand the rules, know what type of device you are riding and its classification, and operate it safely. The goal of enforcement is not to punish, but to prevent crashes and injuries. By riding lawfully and respectfully, you can avoid enforcement actions and contribute to a safer community.

Reporting unsafe or illegal use

If you witness someone operating an e-bike or electric motorcycle in an unsafe or unlawful manner, here’s what you can do:

Emergencies or Dangerous Behavior in Progress: Call 911 immediately if you see dangerous or illegal behavior happening in real time—such as aggressive riding on a sidewalk that endangers people walking or any situation posing an immediate safety risk to public safety.
Non-Emergencies/After the Fact: If the incident is no longer in progress or not an immediate threat, call the Auburn Police non-emergency line at 253-288-2121 or file an online report.

Whether you are a rider or a bystander, remember: these rules exist to keep everyone safe. Let’s all do our part to share the road and pathways responsibly.

The speed limit within the city limits is 25 mph unless otherwise signed.

Unless there is sign prohibiting u-turns, it is up to the driver to make a prudent decision as to whether or not it is a safe location for a u-turn.

RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 46.60.295 states that drivers shall not perform a u-turn unless such movement can be made in safety without interfering with other traffic, and approaching vehicles must be able to see your vehicle from either direction for 500 feet. Click here to read RCW 46.60.295.

It is legal to turn left across a double yellow line in Washington State UNLESS it is 18 inches or wider across and has a solid or cross-hatched center. Most double yellow lines are 12 inches in width and are used to designate "No Passing" zones.

Traffic circles are traffic calming devices, placed in the middle of a four-way intersection to slow approaching traffic, generally in a residential neighborhood. Traffic circles are smaller and serve a different function than the larger roundabouts, which are most often utilized on heavily traveled roadways in place of a traffic signal. Traffic circles are highly effective in preventing accidents at otherwise uncontrolled intersections. Traffic moves counterclockwise (to the driver's right) around a traffic circle. Approaching vehicles should yield to vehicles already in the intersection and traveling around the traffic circle.

A traffic circle is a small raised island placed in the middle of a relatively low-volume intersection to control speeding. Traffic circles can be modified to fit within the intersection, while allowing cars and larger vehicles to navigate around them. Roundabouts are larger circles situated in much wider intersections. There is lane striping to direct vehicular traffic and marked crosswalks pulled back from the intersection that allow pedestrians to cross safely. Roundabouts can have one travel lane or multiple lanes, depending on how many vehicles it is designed to accommodate. Vehicles entering the roundabout are required to yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. Whereas traffic circles are used primarily to prevent speeding at low-volume intersections, roundabouts are generally employed in place of a traffic signal at higher-volume intersections.

A traffic signal that is flashing red in all directions is to be treated as an all-way stop. Upon arrival at the intersection you should come to a complete stop and then proceed only when it is safe and appropriate for you to pass through the intersection. When you arrive at a traffic signal that is not operating at all (this is commonly called a dark signal), the intersection is to be treated as an all-way stop. You must come to a complete stop. When it is your turn, you may pass through the intersection. In both cases, once you have arrived at your destination, please contact the Traffic Signal Outages number at 253-931-3010 during business hours in order to let the City know which signal is malfunctioning and the time you saw the malfunction occurring. If this occurs after hours, please call the police non-emergency number at 253-288-2121 or 911 if you are unable to reach a live person at the Traffic Signal Outages number.

The "WALK" signal is meant only to indicate a pedestrian may start across the street. The flashing "DON'T WALK" timing is set to allow pedestrians enough time to continue to finish their crossing if they have just stepped off the curb. The "DON'T WALK" light, solid or flashing, essentially means don't leave the curb.

S t e a d y

START CROSSING the street
within the crosswalk.

F l a s h i n g
Dont Hand
FINISH CROSSING the street.
Don't begin to cross when you see this signal.

If you are already within the crosswalk, you will have enough time to finish crossing.

S t e a d y

DON?T CROSS .
Wait on the curb.

Studies show that drivers can detect which stop signs are not really necessary to control intersections. If a stop sign is placed only for speed control, drivers tend to pay less attention when approaching it, and many drivers slow but don't stop. In that instance, stop signs may create more of a traffic hazard than they prevent since pedestrians and other drivers expect all cars to stop. It has also been shown through studies that motorists tend to increase their speeds after stopping at an intersection to make up for lost time. Essentially, stop signs placed inappropriately can create more safety problems than they solve and should be installed only after a careful traffic engineering study.

The City is currently revising the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program to address speeding concerns. For more information, please call 253-804-5050.

The Traffic Division has a special program called the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program to address the problem of excessive vehicle speeds in residential areas. A variety of methods are available to control speeds. Funding is limited. A request can be made through the City’s SeeClickFix app.

For new street light requests, the Traffic Division will consider lights at intersections and mid-block locations where there are existing wooden power poles. If you have a request for a specific location, a request can be made through the City’s SeeClickFix app.

The City does not permit the use of these signs on city streets because they tend to give parents and children a false sense of security. Children should be encouraged to play well away from the street. Also, drivers need to watch for children at ALL times, not just in areas with these signs. View more information about Children at Play Sign (PDF).

The Traffic Division has a great deal of data generated by mechanical and manual traffic counts. View traffic data information or contact Amber Olds, Right-of-way Specialist, or call at04-3120.

There are two different types of cameras used for traffic purposes in Auburn. The first is called Video Detection. Cameras used for this purpose are used by the traffic signal controller (computer) to detect whether or not a vehicle is present at a traffic signal in any one direction. They do not record and they are not monitored.

The second type of camera is used for the City's ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) for traffic monitoring. These types of cameras are currently installed at various locations along Auburn Way South. In fact, you can view the current images before traveling by checking the Real-Time Traffic Conditions page. These cameras are monitored during Amphitheater events and other events or incidents causing abnormally high volumes on Auburn Way South to allow our Signal Operations Group to modify traffic signal timing as needed. The City of Auburn does not archive or retain any of the images from the traffic cameras.

If your street light is out or malfunctioning, a request can be made through the City’s SeeClickFix app.

The City has a "pothole patrol" that will promptly fix potholes that develop on any street throughout the City. To report a pothole, please use the Online Reporting tool, or call the Pothole Patrol at 253-931-3048. If leaving a message, please indicate the specific location of the pothole (street, cross streets, etc.) Also, a contact number is helpful but not required.

During and after a snowstorm, city work crews plow and sand streets on a prioritized basis. Priorities are based on traffic volumes and street grades. Many local residential streets are not plowed during any event. The City maintains a snow and ice route map identifying priority streets and possible road closures.

Roads flood for a variety of reasons. If you are experiencing flooding on your street, please use the City’s SeeClickFix app. Staff will visit your street to assess the problem and determine what solutions exist to remedy the flooding. For after hour emergencies, call 911.

No, blowing leaves into the street causes problems with the City's storm drainage system. Auburn City Code prohibits the discharge of leaves, either directly or indirectly, into the storm drainage system (ACC 13.48.210).

Requests can be made through the City’s SeeClickFix app. Staff will conduct a field visit with the necessary City staff and determine how the tree should be handled.

Property owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of their properties of snow, ice, and vegetation. The City is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk pavement. The City has an annual sidewalk repair and replacement program to make minor repairs to sidewalks throughout the City. If you know of a sidewalk that is in poor condition and may be a tripping hazard, please contact Public Works at 253-931-3010. However, if damage to a sidewalk is caused by vegetation on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to repair.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the landscape strip in front of their properties even though it is located within the City owned right-of-way. If you wish to plant a tree or significant vegetation in your landscape strip, please Use the Online Reporting system. We will conduct a field visit to ensure the vegetation will not block the view of drivers approaching the street and may consult with other staff to determine what types of vegetation may be appropriate for the location.

Yes, if you live on a public street other drivers may park on the street in front of your property for a period not to exceed 72 hours (ACC 10.36.260) unless otherwise restricted by city code. Auburn city code details circumstances in which parking in general is prohibited or restricted. The City does not regulate parking on private streets except to ensure access for fire and other emergency vehicles.

You may need a permit if conducting an activity or placing an unusual object in the street for a period of time. Please refer to the application forms section or contact Amber Olds, Right-of-way Specialist, or call at 253-804-3120.

If you are having trouble adequately seeing oncoming traffic upon entering a street, it may be due to overgrown vegetation or another obstruction in your line of sight. Upon request, city staff will conduct a field visit to assess whether there are visual obstructions that could inhibit a driver's ability to safely enter a roadway. If there is a line of site problem, the City will undertake all feasible efforts to remedy the issue, including trimming vegetation or requiring other objects to be moved. Please Use the Online Reporting system to request a field visit.

Is it an E-Bike or an Electric Motorcycle?

Rules of the road for E-Bikes

Electric Motorcycles are different

What Every Electric Motorcycle Rider Must Know:

Enforcement of E-Bike and Electric Motorcycle laws

Reporting unsafe or illegal use

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