Cashmere to enforce scooter, e-bike rules as council raises safety concerns

CASHMERE — Cashmere will begin enforcing existing rules governing scooters, electric bicycles and motorized mini bikes while developing additional regulations as needed, following renewed safety concerns at the Sept. 28 City Council meeting.

Mayor Jim Fletcher and multiple council members confirmed the city’s intention to enforce existing laws after the discussion, which focused on children riding through traffic, conflicts with pedestrians and the differences between electric bicycles and electric motorcycles.

The city already prohibits riding bicycles, scooters, skateboards and similar wheeled devices on sidewalks along Cottage Avenue between Aplets Way and Woodring Street, and along Aplets Way between Mission Avenue and Elberta Avenue. Scooters, skateboards and similar devices are also prohibited on the streets within those stretches, although that street prohibition does not include bicycles.

Under Cashmere Municipal Code Chapter 10.96, violations carry a civil penalty of up to $100. On other city sidewalks, riders must yield to pedestrians and traffic and comply with any additional restrictions imposed by signs or state or municipal law.

During the meeting, council members described riders traveling against traffic, weaving between vehicles and carrying young passengers. Fletcher said a deputy had reported a recent collision involving a child and a car in Cashmere, with no serious injuries to the child.

Officials discussed how to address those behaviors, particularly when riders are children, and how to distinguish between devices subject to different legal requirements.

State law already makes those distinctions: Under RCW 46.04.169, an electric-assisted bicycle must have functioning pedals, a saddle and an electric motor producing no more than 750 watts.

Class 1 bicycles provide pedal assistance up to 20 mph. Class 2 bicycles can operate on motor power alone, but assistance cuts off at 20 mph. Class 3 bicycles provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph and must have a speedometer.

The law also excludes vehicles capable of exceeding 20 mph solely on electric motor power, along with vehicles designed to be easily configured to exceed the legal e-bike requirements.

Electric mini bikes without functioning pedals do not qualify as electric-assisted bicycles. Devices meeting the state’s motorcycle definition are subject to motorcycle requirements, even when powered by electricity. That definition generally covers motor vehicles with no more than three wheels, a seat or saddle and handlebar steering, with separate exclusions for devices such as mopeds and motorized foot scooters.

For two-wheel motorcycles, which are already prohibited on all sidewalks except at authorized driveway crossings, legal public-road operation requires a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement or instruction permit. Eligibility begins at age 16. State law also requires motorcycle riders and passengers on city streets, county roads and state highways to wear compliant motorcycle helmets.

Motorized foot scooters have their own requirements. State law generally prohibits their operation by children younger than 16 unless a local jurisdiction provides otherwise, which Cashmere does not explicitly do through code or ordinance, and limits their speed on roads and bicycle lanes to 15 mph. Class 3 e-bike riders must also be at least 16.

Alongside enforcement, city officials discussed informing families through schools, utility bills and possible bicycle safety programs. Fletcher raised the possibility of working with Rotary on education, while City Clerk Elizabeth Martinez suggested using utility bills to remind residents of existing rules.

The discussion also included researching ordinances in other communities, examining parental responsibility provisions and coordinating with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office on enforcement.

No new ordinance was adopted Sept. 28. The city’s next steps will combine enforcement of existing rules with further work on regulations and public education.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media