Skagit County, WA Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)
Key Facts
- Speed limit
- 15 mph for e-bikes on park trails
- Where allowed
- County park roads and trails, not special-use trails
- Excluded areas
- Docks, piers, floats, connecting ramps
- First violation penalty
- $50 civil infraction
- Repeat violation
- 3rd offense: up to $1,000, 90 days jail
Summary
Skagit County's Parks and Recreation Code treats e-bikes as nonmotorized vehicles and lets riders use roads and trails in County parks on the same terms as bicycles, capped at 15 mph, and barred from designated special-use trails, docks, piers and any trail posted against them.
“Nonmotorized vehicle” shall be defined as every device capable of transporting an individual that is not powered by a mechanical device including, but not limited to, unicycles, bicycles, electrically assisted pedaled bicycles (herein “e-bikes”), tricycles, quadcycles, scooters, roller blades and skateboards, with the exception of wheelchairs. ... Operation of nonmotorized cycles or similar devices, including electrically assisted pedaled bicycles (“e-bikes”), shall be permitted upon roads and trails in County parks, except: (a) Upon designated special use trails such as interpretive or exercise trails; (b) Upon docks, piers, floats and connecting ramps; (c) Where posted with prohibitory signing. ... All bicycles and all electrically assisted pedaled bicycles (“e-bikes”) shall not exceed a speed limit of 15 miles per hour (15 MPH).
Full Breakdown
030(27) defines nonmotorized vehicle to include electrically assisted pedaled bicycles, called e-bikes throughout the chapter, alongside unicycles, bicycles, tricycles, quadcycles, scooters, roller blades and skateboards, expressly excluding wheelchairs. 120(1), operating an e-bike is permitted on roads and trails in every County park, except on designated special-use trails such as interpretive or exercise trails, on docks, piers, floats and connecting ramps, and wherever prohibitory signage is posted. 120(2)). 130(4) repeats the same 15 mph cap specifically for the County's regional trails, local trail corridors and paved pathways, which are open to e-bikes alongside pedestrians, other bicyclists and equestrians unless a particular trail is posted otherwise.
These sections apply only to County-managed park and trail property; Skagit County's general traffic code does not separately classify e-bikes by the state's Class 1/2/3 system for on-road use outside parks.
Violations & Fines
Riding an e-bike on a trail or facility closed to nonmotorized vehicles, exceeding the 15 mph park speed limit, or otherwise violating Chapter 9.41's park rules is a civil infraction; a first offense within five years carries a $50 default penalty, a second within five years $125, and a third or subsequent offense becomes a criminal misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail (SCC 9.41.020(3)(b)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride an e-bike on Skagit County park trails?
What is the speed limit for e-bikes in Skagit County parks?
Does Skagit County classify e-bikes into Class 1, 2 and 3 like state law?
What happens if I break the park e-bike rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Skagit County
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