E-Bikes, Electric Dirt Bikes and Summer Safety

What Every Parent and Rider Should Know

As the days get longer and school starts winding down, we’re seeing more sunshine—and more e-bikes zipping around town. While it’s great to see people out riding and enjoying the weather, we’re also getting an increase in complaints about how some of these bikes are being used, especially by younger riders.

So let’s clear up some of the confusion and talk about what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to keep everyone safe (and out of trouble).

What is an E-Bike, Anyway?

Not all electric bikes are created equal. There are actually three different classes of e-bikes, and understanding the differences matters—a lot.

Class 1 e-bikes only give you a boost when you pedal, and they top out at 20 MPH. There’s no throttle, so you’re still doing the work, just with some help.
Class 2 e-bikes do have a throttle, but they’re still capped at 20 MPH.
Class 3 e-bikes are the fastest of the bunch. They assist up to 28 MPH, but you must be at least 16 years old to ride one legally

No matter the class, helmets are required under city code (IMC 10.44.025). It’s not optional—it’s the law.

The Real Problem? Electric Dirt Bikes

Here’s the big issue we’re seeing: a surge in the use of electric dirt bikes. These are often mistaken for e-bikes, but they’re a completely different beast.
These bikes have no pedals, only throttles, and can hit speeds of 55 MPH or more. Brands like Surron, E-Ride and MotoTec are popular, but here’s the thing: these bikes aren’t street legal, and they’re not allowed in city parks, on trails, sidewalks or public roads.

The only place they’re allowed? Designated dirt bike areas—same as their gas-powered cousins.

Where Can You Ride?

Here’s a quick breakdown of where each type of bike can (and can’t) go:

Class 1 & 2: Bike lanes alongside roads but not on roadways, multi-use paths or parks—basically, anywhere a regular bike can go.
Class 3: Roadways and bike lanes alongside roads.
Electric dirt bikes: Only in off-road, dirt bike-approved areas. Nowhere else.

What We’re Seeing—and What’s Changing

Last summer, we saw a wave of electric dirt bikes being ridden recklessly—across parks, fields, sidewalks and even roads. In some cases, riders damaged property or fled when officers attempted to stop them.

This is not just a nuisance. It’s dangerous. And it’s illegal.

If this sounds like something you or your kid has done, here’s a simple message: please stop.

This year, we’re not taking chances. Electric dirt bikes that are used illegally will be impounded. Parents—if your child is riding one on public roads, you could be looking at criminal charges for allowing it.

We get it—e-bikes and electric motorcycles are fun. They’re fast, they’re cool and they’re becoming more popular by the day. But with that comes responsibility.
Know the rules. Wear a helmet. Ride safely. And be sure your ride is legal before setting out.

Let’s make this a safe summer for everyone.