Bill forms work group to define e‑motorcycles and separate them from e‑bikes

Jennifer Harris, committee staff, described SB 6110 as a two‑part approach: narrow the statutory definition of an electric assisted bicycle (excluding vehicles capable of exceeding 20 mph under motor power alone) and direct the Department of Licensing to convene a work group to study and recommend a statutory framework for electric motorcycles, including definitions, registration, age and licensing requirements, equipment and enforcement recommendations, consumer disclosures, and other regulatory options. The work group must report by Dec. 15, 2027.

Sandy (fiscal staff) said the fiscal impact is modest: one‑time costs for the Department of Licensing (around $89,000) and a small one‑time cost for the Department of Transportation to facilitate the work group.

Senator Shoemake, sponsor, said the bill brings experts together to define new vehicle categories and noted safety concerns about higher‑speed devices, particularly youth access. He welcomed tribal representation as a potential friendly amendment.

Public testimony included bike and recreation groups, city representatives, and trail organizations. Washington Bikes and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance supported clear definitions that distinguish e‑bikes from more powerful e‑motos; city officials urged adopting definitional language from a House bill to reduce ambiguity and to consider noncriminal enforcement for minors. Industry and rider groups asked to ensure representation of e‑motorcycle users on the work group.

No vote occurred in this hearing; stakeholders urged amendment and expedited work to avoid a patchwork of local ordinances.