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Sammamish police say high‑power 'e‑motorcycles' — not classed e‑bikes — are driving complaints; education prioritized over tickets
Summary
The Sammamish Police Traffic Unit told the City Council and public July 15 that most complaints are about large, throttle‑powered e‑motorcycles, not class 1–3 e‑bikes; enforcement focuses on education and parent contact because juveniles under 16 generally cannot be issued traffic infractions under county policy.
Sammamish police officials told the City Council and a large public audience July 15 that the department’s recent increase in contacts about electric two‑wheelers stems largely from high‑power, throttle‑driven devices better described as e‑motorcycles, not standard pedal‑assist e‑bikes.
Sergeant Derrick Jones, supervisor of the Sammamish Traffic Unit, summarized the department’s view: “E bikes…are not our issue. We are not having problems with e bikes,” Jones said. He added that most troublesome vehicles seen by officers have motors of 2,000 watts or more and can exceed 50 mph — characteristics that put them outside legal e‑bike classes and into motorcycle regulations.
Jones…
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