E‑Ride Helmet & Bike Safety: What Parents Need to Know

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Electric bikes and electric motorcycles are becoming a popular way for kids and teens to get around, from school commutes to after‑school activities and weekend adventures. They’re fast, convenient, and fun. With a little preparation, families can help young riders stay safe and confident! Whether you already have an e-bike or are considering one in the future, we’re highlighting the need-to-know safety topics for families: from choosing the right helmet, understanding Washington’s e‑ride laws, to knowing where kids can safely ride.

Understanding Your Ride

Different electric rides come with different rules. Knowing what your child is riding helps you choose the right gear and understand age requirements.

Infographic comparing the three types of electric bikes. The image shows three e-bikes lined up on a road surrounded by trees and hills. They are labeled as Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Class 1 provides pedal assistance up to 20 mph; Class 2 includes a throttle and pedal assistance up to 20 mph; and Class 3 offers pedal assistance up to 28 mph. The graphic visually explains the main differences between the classes of e-bikes. — Comparison of class 1, 2, and 3 bikes.

Class 1 E‑Bike: Pedal assist only, up to 20 mph.
Class 2 E‑Bike: Throttle + pedal assist, up to 20 mph.
Class 3 E‑Bike: Pedal assist, up to 28 mph.
Electric Motorcycle: More than 750 watts and not classified as a Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike; follows motorcycle laws.

Washington’s definitions and rules: RCW 46.04.169:

Age requirements

Class 1 & 2 e‑bikes: No minimum age
Class 3 e‑bikes: Riders must be 16+
Electric motorcycles: Riders must be 16+

Choosing the Right Helmet

Wearing a properly certified helmet is one of the most important safety steps. Certification labels show that a helmet has passed safety tests for impact protection.

For Class 1, 2, and 3 E‑Bikes:

Choose a helmet with a CPSC certification label at a minimum. Some helmets may also carry additional certifications, such as Snell or ASTM, which indicate additional safety testing.

CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission): The U.S. standard for bicycle helmets.
Snell: A nonprofit that tests helmets to higher performance standards.
ASTM: An international organization that sets safety standards for sports equipment.

A close-up shot of the interior foam lining of a bicycle helmet, showing a white safety label affixed to the surface. The left portion of the label is highlighted with an orange circle and reads "COMPLIES WITH U.S. CPSC SAFETY STANDARD" in bold black text. To the right, additional fine print outlines safety instructions and usage details for cyclists, skateboarders, or roller skaters. — Look for the Consumer Product Safety Commission label on helmets for class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes.

For Electric Motorcycles:

An illustration shows the DOT (United States Department of Transportation) certification label for motorcycle helmets. A red arrow points to the location of the DOT label on the back of a black helmet. The image helps to identify how to check that a helmet meets the required safety standards. — Look for this U.S. Department of Transportation standard label for motorcycle helmets.

Choose a helmet with a DOT certification label at a minimum. Some helmets may also carry additional certifications, such as Snell or ECE, which indicate additional testing beyond DOT requirements.

DOT: The U.S. Department of Transportation standard for motorcycle helmets.
Snell: Indicates additional high‑impact testing beyond DOT requirements.
ECE: A European safety standard used worldwide for motorcycle helmets.

Where Can I Get a Helmet?

There are many stores in King County that sell helmets and can help you find the right fit.
Find it here: King County Free and Low-Cost Helmet Guide.

Where Kids Can Ride

Bicycles can be ridden on sidewalks in some cities, but not in others. Many places allow Class 1 and 2 e‑bikes, while busy downtown areas often limit or ban sidewalk riding to keep pedestrians safe. Even where sidewalk riding is allowed, riders may need to go at walking speed, yield to people walking, or step off in crowded areas. Before riding on the sidewalk, it’s important to check your local laws. What’s allowed in one neighborhood might not be allowed just a few blocks away.

LocATION	CLass 1	Class 2	Class 3	E-Motorcycle
Public road	yes	yes	yes	yes
Sidewalk	yes	yes	no	no
Shared-use path	yes	yes	no	no
Non-motorized trail	no	no	no	no
Freeway shoulder	yes	yes	yes	yes

Rules for Electric Bikes

Electric bikes follow most of the same rules as other road users, with a few specifics:

On roads, riders follow driver rules.
On sidewalks, riders follow pedestrian rules.
Cyclists may choose bike lanes, shoulders, paths, or travel lanes based on what feels safest.
Stop signs may be treated as yield signs unless at railroad crossings or when a school bus stop arm is activated.
Parents may not knowingly allow minors to break bicycle laws.
At night, bikes need a white front light (visible from 500 ft) and a red rear reflector (visible from 600 ft).
Riders must use hand signals for turns, stops, and slowing.

Rules for Electric Motorcycles

Electric motorcycles follow the same laws as gas‑powered motorcycles:

Riders must have a motorcycle endorsement.
A federally compliant helmet is required for drivers and passengers.
Lane splitting is not allowed.
Passengers must have their own seat and footrests.

Lear about the WA Department of Licensing Motorcycle Safety Program.

Helping Your Child Ride Safely

Wear certified helmets.
Choose routes with bike lanes or wide shoulders.
Know your local riding laws for sidewalks and roads.
Teach hand signals and nighttime visibility rules.
Review expectations before kids ride independently.
Check that brakes and lights are working properly before every trip.

Find more bike, electric bike and motorcycle safety tips: kingcounty.gov/bikesafety.

Originally published 9/24/26.

PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER