Let’s Talk E-Bikes: Board Discussion and Your Feedback Matters
- Kingsgate 3&4
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
The Kingsgate 3 & 4 HOA Board is currently discussing e-bike use in our community park areas. As e-bikes become more common, the Board wants to better understand how they are being used and whether community guidelines—aligned with City of Kirkland standards—may be helpful in maintaining safe, shared spaces for everyone.
At this stage, no decisions have been made. This is a conversation, and homeowner feedback is a key part of the process.
What Is an E-Bike?
According to the City of Kirkland, an e-bike:
Must have working pedals
May assist up to 20 mph using electric power, or up to 28 mph while pedaling
Has a motor of 750 watts or less
Devices without pedals or that exceed these limits are considered electric motorcycles and are not classified as e-bikes.
Speed Limits on Shared Paths
Under Kirkland Municipal Code (KMC 19.40), the speed limit on shared-use trails is 15 mph, and exceeding this limit is a violation.
As part of our discussion, we are asking for community input on possible speed limits for Kingsgate park paths:
Option A: 10 mph
Option B: 15 mph
Option C: Your recommendation
Potential Restricted Areas
We are also exploring whether certain high-traffic or sensitive areas may be better suited as no e-bike zones, such as:
Around the pool house
Children’s play areas
Picnic or gathering spaces
Other areas you believe should be considered
Share Your Thoughts
We welcome your feedback on:
Where e-bikes should be allowed or restricted
Appropriate speed limits
Safety concerns or other suggestions
You can share your input by replying to this post, emailing the HOA Board, or attending an upcoming board meeting.
Thank you for helping us work together toward thoughtful, community-supported guidelines.
— Kingsgate 3 & 4 HOA Board
Might be important to consider: Allowing e-bikes on HOA property, opens the door to a lawsuit, if something damaging or worse occurs. If allowed to enter and park like vehicles, seems logical, however, if the area becomes a place to spin around, speed, goof off, etc. etc. again, accidents happen. Public spaces, ie: the city roads seems more appropriate compared to private property.
I don't see a need for e-bikes on the walking trails in the park. They could be allowed on the driveway/parking areas to get access in and out. The trails are narrow and much more oriented toward walkers.
We love the ease and adaptability of e bikes. They are a fun and fast mode of cruising around. However- there is no way to police a speed limit within the park. With little ones learning to ride a regular bike, strolling around on a big wheel or even just walking- e bikes are a danger to younger kids in such a small space and impossible to regulate. We’ve had close called on our own walks and even in our cars…. Maybe a compromise would be they can be ridden to the park but not in the park.