E-scooters are an increasingly common sight on Bellevue’s streets and bike lanes. To promote clarity and safety for all road users, Bellevue updated its code (BCC 11.48.210) in 2025 to better align with Washington State law. The following information summarizes key city and state laws—BCC 11.48.210, RCWs 46.04.336, 46.61.710 and 46.20.500—that apply to e-scooter riders in Bellevue and explains why it’s important for everyone to understand the rules that keep our streets, parks, sidewalks, paths and trails safe.
How e-scooters differ from e-bikes
Both e-scooters and e-bikes are micromobility devices, but they are treated differently under Washington State law and Bellevue’s code. E-bikes are defined as bicycles with an electric motor (RCW 46.04.169) and are generally allowed wherever traditional bicycles can ride, subject to class-specific limits (for example, Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks). E-scooters, by contrast, are legally defined under state law as “motorized foot scooters”— two- or three-wheeled devices with handlebars and a floorboard, powered by an electric motor (RCW 46.04.336 and RCW 46.61.710). E-scooters are not bicycles, and riders must follow the scooter-specific rules below. Notably, e-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old, cannot exceed 15 mph and have restrictions to where they may ride.
Important rules for e-scooter riders
- Minimum Age: Riders must be at least 16 years old.
- Speed Limit: The maximum legal speed is 15 mph.
- Helmet Use: Not required by law but strongly recommended for safety.
- Operating Hours: You may ride at night only if your scooter has a rear red reflector or light and reflective material on both sides that make it visible to drivers from 500 feet away. A front white light is not required by law but is still strongly recommended at night for safety.
- Passengers: Tandem riding is prohibited, as e-scooters are designed for a single rider only.
- Traffic Compliance: Riders must follow all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and using hand signals when turning or stopping.
- Pedestrian Etiquette: On shared-use paths and sidewalks, yield to pedestrians and provide an audible signal—such as a bell or verbal warning—when passing.
- Ride Responsibly: Riders must adjust their speed and behavior to match their surroundings—such as the number of people walking, the slope, and the condition or width of where you are riding.
- Dismount When Necessary: If the area is too narrow or crowded to ride safely without endangering or inconveniencing pedestrians, riders must stop and walk their scooter until conditions improve.
Places you can ride an e-scooter
- Roadways & Bike Lanes: Allowed unless restricted by posted signage.
- Shared-Use Paths & Paved Trails: Allowed unless restricted by posted signage.
- Parks: Allowed on paved trails unless restricted by posted signage.
Sidewalk rules for e-scooters
Sidewalk riding is one of the most common areas of confusion for e-scooter users. Bellevue’s updated code provides a clear framework:
- Default Rule: Riding an e-scooter on sidewalks is not allowed.
- No Safe Alternative Exception: If there is no safe alternative (such as an existing bicycle lane or paved shoulder) on a street with a higher posted speed limit (over 25 mph), then a person riding an e-scooter may use the sidewalk.
- Pedestrians always have the priority: When riding on a sidewalk under this exception, you must dismount the scooter in crowded areas and yield to people walking.
Places you cannot ride an e-scooter
- Unpaved Trails: Not allowed on natural-surface trails, including gravel or dirt paths.
- Dismount Zones: In areas with high pedestrian activity, the city may designate dismount zones where riders must walk their scooters.
Enforcement of e-scooter Laws
The Bellevue Police Department prioritizes public safety—and that includes safe operation of e-scooters. Officers will enforce traffic and e-scooter-specific laws to protect everyone on the street.
Individuals riding recklessly, endangering others or violating these rules may be stopped and face penalties, including citations, fines, criminal charges or impoundment where legal authority allows.
As an e-scooter rider, it is your responsibility to understand the rules and to ride safely and respectfully. The goal of enforcement is not punishment, but prevention of crashes and injuries. By riding lawfully and respectfully, you can avoid enforcement actions and help create a safer community.
Reporting unsafe or illegal use
If you witness someone operating an e-scooter in an unsafe or unlawful manner, speaking up can help prevent crashes and protect others:
- Emergencies or Dangerous Behavior in Progress: Call 911 immediately if you see aggressive sidewalk riding, reckless behavior, or any situation posing an immediate safety risk.
- Non-Emergencies or After the Fact: If the incident is not in progress or not an immediate threat, call the Bellevue Police non-emergency line at 425-577-5656 or file a report online. Provide details—what happened, when, and where—to help police track recurring issues.
For general questions about e-scooter laws or to report chronic issues (such as repeated unsafe riding in a specific area), contact the Bellevue Police Department’s Traffic Unit using the non-emergency number above. You may also email: bellevuepd@bellevuewa.gov.