Sammamish clarifies e-bike and e-scooter guidance; sidewalks remain pedestrian-first

Summary

Staff summarized existing city guidance on e-bike classes and where electric micromobility is allowed, saying class 1 and 2 e-bikes and lower-speed personal mobility devices may use sidewalks but must yield to pedestrians; higher-speed devices are restricted from roads with speed limits above 25 mph.

City staff summarized current local guidance for electric micromobility at a public workshop, clarifying where e-bikes, scooters and electric personal-assist devices may be used. Lindsey Channing, a transportation planner, said the city’s web guidance explains differences between class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes and reiterates that sidewalks are pedestrian-first: class 1 and 2 e-bikes and low-speed personal mobility devices (examples cited: one-wheel devices, Segway-like devices) are allowed on sidewalks but must yield to pedestrians. Channing said higher-speed e-bikes and motorized scooters are permitted on roadways where the posted speed is under 25 mph and on paved trails at lower speeds; devices are not recommended on roadways with posted speeds above 25 mph. Channing said the Sammamish Police Department has produced a public webpage and messaging to help residents report enforcement issues and to explain how officers can respond under current regulations.