Arlington approves new regulations for e-bikes
Published 1:30 am Monday, October 12, 2026
EVERETT — Arlington became the latest city in Snohomish County to add new regulations regarding the use of electric bikes and scooters after the city council approved the new rules at an Oct. 5 meeting.
The rules are largely based on an ordinance that the city of Everett approved in July, which itself drew from newly approved state regulations regarding e-bikes.
Those state regulations created three classes of electric-assisted bicycles: Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 20 miles per hour; Class 2 e-bikes can propel themselves with a motor but can’t go over 20 miles per hour on their own power; and Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour.
Arlington’s new regulations allow Class 3 e-bikes to be ridden on the street or in a bike lane, but they are banned on shared-use paths, sidewalks or in city parks. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can be used on shared-use paths, though riders need to slow down when near pedestrians or congested areas.
“The goal behind this is to just reduce the amount of conflict with pedestrians, such as on sidewalks and trails,” Arlington city administrator Paul Ellis said at the Oct. 5 meeting.
Those rules also line up with Snohomish County regulations that also prohibit Class 3 e-bikes from its trails, including the popular Centennial Trail that runs through Arlington.
The city regulations prohibit children under 16 from using Class 3 e-bikes and ban children under 11 from using any e-bikes unless they are being supervised by an adult. Under the new rules, children under 16 must wear helmets when using e-bikes or electric scooters.
In a Friday press release, Arlington Mayor Don Vanney wrote that he decided to move the regulations forward as electric bikes and scooters have become more common in recent years.
“As more families use e-bikes and other electric mobility devices, Arlington needs clear expectations that help keep everyone safe,” he wrote. “The City is bringing forward practical rules that protect people walking, biking and riding, while allowing these devices to be used responsibly.”
Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.
