Electric Scooter Laws in Washington State – Complete Guide 2025

Quick facts

  • Classification: “Motorized foot scooters” under RCW 46.61.710
  • Min age: No statewide minimum age requirement
  • Helmet required: No statewide requirement
  • Max speed: No statewide speed limit specified
  • License/registration: Not required statewide
  • Sidewalk riding: Prohibited unless no alternative route exists
  • Bike lane access: Yes, same access as bicycles
  • Scooter sharing: Present in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma with permits
  • Last checked: September 26, 2025

What Washington state riders need to know

Washington state has some of the most detailed electric scooter regulations in the country, treating them as “motorized foot scooters” under RCW 46.61.710. What sets Washington apart is how they handle trail access and the federal highway funding restrictions that most states ignore completely.

Riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk is unlawful, unless there is no alternative to travel over a sidewalk as part of a bicycle or pedestrian path, or if authorized by local ordinance. That “no alternative” exception acknowledges the reality that sometimes you need sidewalk access to get to the actual bike infrastructure.

Washington’s approach to federal funding restrictions is something I haven’t seen addressed clearly in other states. Any trail or bicycle path built or maintained with federal highway transportation funds has different rules than locally-funded paths, which creates a complex patchwork that requires true local knowledge to navigate it.

Washington Revised Code 46.61.710 covers motorized foot scooters along with mopeds, EPAMDs, and electric bicycles. The state gives electric-assisted bicycles and motorized foot scooters access to highways and parking rights equivalent to bicycles.

Local jurisdictions and state agencies can restrict or limit access of electric scooters on facilities under their control, which means Seattle can have completely different rules than Spokane or smaller Washington cities.

The federal funding restrictions mean that bicycle paths, trails, bikeways, equestrian trails, or hiking trails built with federal money have additional restrictions that don’t apply to locally-funded infrastructure.

Where you can ride

Roadways: E-scooters have the same highway access as bicycles. You follow standard traffic laws, ride as far right as practical, and yield to faster traffic.

Operation on fully controlled limited access highways (like I-5 or I-90) is prohibited, keeping scooters off the most dangerous roads.

Bike lanes and shared-use paths: Electric scooters may be operated on a shared-use path or any part of a highway designated for the use of bicycles.

Sidewalks: Generally prohibited, but with important exceptions. If there is no alternative you can travel over a sidewalk as part of a bicycle or pedestrian path, or if authorized by local ordinance. Sometimes getting to the bike lane means crossing a sidewalk.

Trails and natural paths: You cannot ride on trails specifically designated as nonmotorized with natural surface treads made by clearing and grading native soil. Federal funding restriction means many popular trails have additional limitations beyond what local authorities might prefer.

Equipment and vehicle requirements

Power and speed specifications: Washington doesn’t set specific power limits or statewide speed limits, leaving this primarily to local regulation. Most cities have implement their own speed limits ranging from 15-25 mph.

Required safety equipment: You are required specific lighting and reflectors for night riding. Working brakes are implied but not specifically detailed in the state code, though any scooter worth riding should have reliable stopping capability.

Rider requirements

Age restrictions: No statewide age restrictions. Cities can and some have implement their own age requirements, and most shared scooter services require riders to be 18 or older.

Licensing and permits: No driver’s license needed. The state treats scooters similarly to bicycles for licensing purposes.

Helmet requirements: No statewide helmet requirement exists. Local ordinances do sometimes require helmets for minors or in specific areas.

Alcohol and drug rules: Impaired operation can result in fines.

Parking, storage, and riding etiquette

Washington allows e-scooters to be parked to the same extent as bicycles, which means using bike racks, designated parking areas, following local parking ordinances, and common sense.

The state doesn’t set specific parking requirements, leaving this to local municipalities. Common practices usually include:

  • Use designated scooter or bike parking areas where available
  • Don’t block pedestrian access or ADA pathways
  • Park upright against buildings or structures when designated areas aren’t available
  • Secure properly to prevent theft

Enforcement and penalties

Enforcement varies significantly between Washington’s urban and rural areas. Seattle and other major cities have active scooter enforcement, while smaller communities may have limited resources to track down scooter users.

Common violations and typical penalties include:

  • Sidewalk riding where prohibited: $50-125
  • Missing required lighting at night: $75-150
  • Operating on prohibited trails: $100-200
  • Improper parking: $25-75
  • Riding on limited access highways: $150-300

The penalties reflect Washington’s serious approach to scooter regulation, particularly around safety equipment and prohibited area violations.

Insurance and liability

No specific insurance is needed. Your homeowner’s or auto insurance may provide coverage, though we always recommend that you check.

Washington follows comparative negligence principles in accidents, meaning fault can be shared between parties based on their actions and adherence to traffic laws.

Local exceptions to state law

Seattle: Seattle has implemented comprehensive scooter regulations that go well beyond state requirements. The city requires permits for shared scooter operators and has established geofenced slow zones and no-ride areas throughout the downtown core and Capitol Hill.

Seattle prohibits sidewalk riding in most areas and requires scooters to use bike lanes or roads. The city has designated parking corrals in popular areas and enforces strict penalties for improper parking that blocks pedestrian access.

During major events like Seafair or when the ferry system is disrupted, Seattle often implements temporary restrictions on operation in high-traffic areas.

Spokane: Spokane allows motorized foot scooters following state guidelines but has added specific restrictions around Gonzaga University and downtown areas. The city requires working lights for all night riding and has implemented seasonal restrictions during heavy snow periods.

Spokane has designated scooter parking areas near major transit centers and enforces speed limits in the downtown core that are stricter than state guidelines.

Tacoma: Tacoma permits scooter operation but has specific rules for the waterfront and stadium district areas. The city requires additional spacing when parking scooters near major attractions and transit stops.

Tacoma also has coordinated regional regulations with Pierce County for scooter operations that cross municipal boundaries.

Bellingham: Home to Western Washington University, Bellingham has campus-specific policies that apply throughout the university area. The city requires slower speeds near dormitories and has designated scooter parking zones near major campus buildings.

Bellingham also enforces stricter trail access rules than the state minimum, particularly for environmentally sensitive areas near Bellingham Bay.

Vancouver: Vancouver follows state law but has added specific restrictions for the Columbia River waterfront and downtown historic areas. The city requires dismounting and walking scooters through crowded pedestrian areas during peak hours and special events.

Special circumstances

University campuses: Washington’s major universities (UW, WSU, WWU) have campus-specific policies that often differ from city and state regulations. Most require registration for regular campus use and have restricted zones near academic buildings.

Ferry terminals and transit integration: Washington State Ferries allow e-scooters following their bicycle policies, but local transit agencies may have different rules for bus and light rail integration.

National forest and park access: Federal lands in Washington follow National Forest Service and National Park Service regulations rather than state law, which typically means more restrictive access for motorized devices.

FAQs

Q: Can I ride my scooter on sidewalks in Washington? Generally no, unless there’s no alternative route as part of a bicycle or pedestrian path.

Q: Do I need a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter? No driver’s license required at the state level. Washington treats scooters similarly to bicycles for licensing purposes.

Q: What about helmet requirements? No statewide helmet law, but local cities may require helmets for minors.

Q: Can I take my scooter on Washington State Ferries? Yes, following the same policies as bicycles. You’ll need to follow ferry loading procedures and may need to secure your scooter during transport.

Resources and citations

Stay up to date

In order to keep up to speed with local regulatory changes we urge you to sign up to our newsletter to get current updates as quickly as possible on local Washington cities adjusting their laws straight into your mailbox. You can also bookmark our state legal page to make sure you’re informed about changes.

We’re riders, not lawyers. Washington’s electric scooter laws are complex, particularly around federal funding restrictions and local authority variations. This information is intended for informational purposes only, not legal advice.

For specific legal questions, especially regarding trail access, accident liability, or commercial scooter operations, consult with a local attorney familiar with Washington transportation law. When in doubt about local regulations, contact your city’s transportation department or local police for current information.

Washington state has made a heck of a good job creating a simple yet effective regulatory framework for electric scooters. It covers the basics while leaving things like sidewalk operation, speed limitations, and rider age for local governments to decide on what makes the most sense on a local level.

I like when its less restrictive because it opens up a lot more situations where electric rides can be utilized in stead of your regular large vehicles. Because no matter what the environmental impact of all these vehicles are, one fact is definitely certain and that is that a car is far bigger than an electric scooter. So you clutter the roadways far less and they’re also much easier to navigate around with making people get around far more efficient.

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