FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Ferndale is tightening restrictions on where e-bikes can be ridden within city limits.

The Ferndale City Council voted unanimously on Monday, Nov. 2, to ban electric-assisted bicycles from most downtown sidewalks.

The approved ordinance applies to sidewalks along both sides of Main Street from 1st Avenue to 4th Avenue and on both sides of Vista Drive from 2nd Avenue to Fourth Avenue. It also bans skateboards from being used on those sidewalks.

An amendment also passed in a narrow 4-3 vote to prohibit e-bike use at the Ferndale Pump Track.

In order to legally be considered an “e-bike,” the vehicle has to have pedals and cannot travel more than 20 mph when using electric power or 28 mph with the rider pedaling. The power output also cannot exceed 750 watts.

Anything that exceeds those limits is considered an “e-motorcycle” and subject to motorcycle laws. The ordinance prohibits e-motorcycles from any trail or park, though e-bikes can still be used on public trails unless otherwise posted.

Riders have to be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike that travels more than 20 mph or any e-motorcycle. In the case of e-motorcycles, riders must also have a valid drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement to ride on the road.

Under the ordinance, parents or the adult owner of e-bikes can be held responsible for any violations by minor children.

It comes as the city says there appears to be a relatively small, but growing, number of e-bike owners, including incidents where they’ve been seen riding dangerously.

Ferndale has set up a web page that explains more of the current rules and distinctions surrounding e-bikes.

The city noted that its regulations could be somewhat temporary, as state lawmakers are expected to discuss the issue again in 2027.