E-bikes on Burke-Gilman Trail
Seattle & King County, Washington · King · Managed by Seattle Parks and Recreation (Seattle section); King County Parks (Lake Forest Park to Bothell)
🟢 Class 1 & 2 allowed — no Class 3
Last checked:
Which classes: Class 1 and 2 yes; Class 3 not allowed
The rules
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed along the whole trail. Seattle and King County both set a 15 mph speed limit for everyone. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on either section.
What the official source says:
However, electric-assist personal mobility devices fitting the definition for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes (750-watt or lower, e-assist up to 20 mph) are allowed on Multi-Use Trails managed by SPR (Burke-Gilman Trail, Elliott Bay Trail, Melrose Connector Trail, Duwamish River Trail, and Mountains to Sound Trail).
Source: Seattle Parks and Recreation (Seattle section); King County Parks (Lake Forest Park to Bothell)
📞 Call ahead: 206-684-4075 (rules and closures change)
20 miles · Paved
Gear for this ride
- Thule EasyFold XT 2 hitch rackFolding 2-bike hitch rack rated for 65 lb per bike — enough for most e-bikes. Check your bike's weight first.
- Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini U-lockKryptonite's top-rated U-lock, Sold Secure Gold, for trailheads and town stops.
- Topeak Mini Morph pumpFrame-mounted mini pump that fits both Presta and Schrader valves.
- Cygolite Metro Plus 800 headlight800-lumen USB-rechargeable headlight for dusk rides and tunnels.
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Washington's e-bike classes
Washington has three e-bike classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle, cuts out at 20 mph) and Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28 mph, with a speedometer). All three need working pedals and a motor of no more than 750 watts. Washington e-bike laws →
Not sure which class you have? E-bike classes explained →
Did this rule change, or is something here wrong? Tell us and we'll re-check it against the official source.
Nearby trails
- Elliott Bay Trail 🟢 Class 1 & 2 onlySeattle Parks and Recreation
- Green Lake Park (Inner Loop) 🔴 NoSeattle Parks and Recreation
- Discovery Park trails 🔴 NoSeattle Parks and Recreation
- Sammamish River Trail 🟢 Class 1 & 2 onlyKing County Parks