Pasco Police

06/01/2026

Not Every Motorized Bike Is an E-Bike

About a month ago, this flyer was shared with our local schools as a colorful way to help students, parents, and riders understand the difference between e-bikes, scooters, mini bikes, pocket bikes, and e-motos.

Here is the important reminder:

Mini bikes, pocket bikes, e-motos, and similar motorized vehicles usually do not qualify as bicycles, e-bikes, or scooters.

To qualify as an e-bike, the device must generally have working pedals, a seat or saddle, an electric motor of 750 watts or less, and meet one of Washington’s three e-bike classifications.

If the device does not meet those requirements, it may be treated as a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, moped, off-road vehicle, or another type of motor vehicle.

That can mean different rules for:

Driver’s license or endorsement requirements.

Registration.

Required safety equipment.

Where the vehicle can legally be ridden.

A simple rule: if the rider is not properly licensed, or the device is not street legal, it should not be operated on public roads.

Applicable laws include RCW 46.04.169, RCW 46.04.330, RCW 46.04.332, RCW 46.04.304, RCW 46.16A.030, RCW 46.20.130, RCW 46.20.500, Pasco Municipal Code 10.55.020, and Pasco Municipal Code 9.100.150. Pasco’s public guidance also states that mini bikes, pocket bikes, and e-motos are usually not considered bicycles or e-bikes and cannot be used on sidewalks, shared-use paths, parks, trails, or public streets unless all legal requirements are met.

Image description:
A yellow flyer titled “Not Every Motorized Bike Is an E-Bike.” It shows examples of mini bikes, pocket bikes, and e-motos. The flyer explains that these vehicles usually do not qualify as bicycles, e-bikes, or scooters and may require a license, registration, required safety equipment, and compliance with traffic laws.

06/01/2026

E-Bike Safety Reminder

About a month ago, this flyer was shared with our local schools as a colorful way to help students, parents, and riders better understand e-bike and scooter rules in Pasco.

Here is a summary of the e-bike rules:

An e-bike is a bicycle with working pedals, a seat or saddle, and an electric motor of 750 watts or less.

There are three classes of e-bikes:

Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 miles per hour. No throttle.

Class 2: May use a throttle, up to 20 miles per hour.

Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 miles per hour. Rider must be 16 years old or older.

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are generally allowed where regular bicycles are allowed. Riders must follow traffic laws, obey signs and signals, slow down near pedestrians, and ride responsibly.

Helmets are strongly recommended for all e-bike riders.

Applicable laws include RCW 46.04.169, RCW 46.20.500, RCW 46.37.690, and RCW 46.61.710. Washington law defines the three e-bike classes and limits e-bike motors to 750 watts.

Image description:
A green and white flyer titled “E-Bikes.” The flyer explains that an e-bike has pedals, a seat, and an electric motor of 750 watts or less. It lists Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bike rules, including speed limits, throttle use, and the age requirement for Class 3 riders.

06/01/2026

Motorized Scooter Safety Reminder

About a month ago, this flyer was shared with our local schools as a colorful way to help students, parents, and riders better understand scooter and e-bike rules in Pasco.

Here is a summary of the scooter rules:

A motorized foot scooter is a stand-up scooter with handlebars and a floorboard. Under Washington law, it must have a maximum speed of no more than 20 miles per hour on level ground.

In Pasco:

Riders must be at least 13 years old.

Helmets are required on public streets.

Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks.

Scooters are not allowed in City parks or on multi-purpose trails.

Scooters are not allowed on streets with a posted speed limit over 25 miles per hour.

Scooters may use a roadway or bicycle lane where allowed, but may not travel faster than 15 miles per hour.

Please ride safely, follow traffic signs and signals, slow down around pedestrians, and help keep our neighborhoods and school areas safe.

Applicable laws include RCW 46.04.336, RCW 46.20.500, RCW 46.61.710, RCW 46.61.715, Pasco Municipal Code 10.55.020, and Pasco Municipal Code 9.100.150. Pasco’s public scooter guidance lists the local age, helmet, sidewalk, park, trail, street-speed, and 15 mph operation rules.

Image description:
A purple and white flyer titled “Scooters.” The flyer explains rules for motorized foot scooters in Pasco, including the minimum rider age of 13, helmet requirement, no sidewalk riding, no riding in parks or on multi-purpose trails, no riding on streets posted over 25 miles per hour, and a 15 mile-per-hour riding limit.

05/30/2026

As we roll into June and head into summertime, school’s out, and more people are out enjoying Pasco’s great weather. That means you’ll be seeing more pedestrians, cyclists, e‑bikes, scooters, and all kinds of wheels out on our streets and pathways.

We all play a part in keeping our community safe. Here are a few friendly reminders as we share the roadway this summer:

• Stay alert and give others space
• Slow down in busy areas
• Use lights and signals so others can see what you’re doing
• Be predictable, whether you’re walking, riding, or driving

If you want to learn more about local rules for e‑bikes, scooters, and mini‑bikes in Pasco, check out our link below.

Electric bikes, scooters, mini bikes, and similar devices can be a fun way to get around Pasco, but riders and parents need to know the rules. The Pasco Police Department’s goal is to help prevent crashes, injuries, and unsafe riding through education, awareness, and enforcement.

05/29/2026

2025 Officer of the Year

Please join us in congratulating Officer Kevin Frantz, who has been selected as the Pasco Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year.

(By default I suppose K9 Brit gets credit as well as K9 of the year by riding his handler's coat tails, but we all have that co-worker)

Officer Frantz serves our community in several critical roles, including Patrol Officer, K-9 Handler, Field Training Officer, SWAT Officer, and Reality-Based Training Instructor. His work ethic, professionalism, leadership, and commitment to public safety make him an outstanding representative of our department.

From his patrol work and K-9 deployments to mentoring new officers and supporting community engagement, Officer Frantz consistently goes above and beyond for his team and the people of Pasco.

Congratulations, Officer Frantz, and thank you for your continued dedication to the Pasco Police Department and our community.

05/27/2026

***Update***

Last night, Pasco officers responded to a collision involving an E‑bike and an SUV at the intersection of Road 60 and Burns. Officers provided immediate medical aid until Pasco Fire arrived and continued life‑saving efforts. The 17‑year‑old E‑bike rider was transported to a local hospital, where he later passed away from his injuries. His family has been notified, and we offer our sincere condolences during this difficult time.

The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. Based on preliminary information, the SUV was traveling eastbound on Burns and had the right‑of‑way as it moved through the intersection. Investigators believe the E‑bike entered the intersection at that time, resulting in the collision. They also noted that the rider was not wearing a helmet. These details are early findings and may be updated as the investigation continues.

This investigation remains ongoing. We appreciate the community’s patience and support as our traffic investigators work to understand the circumstances. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Pasco Police Department at (509) 545‑3421.

9:24 PM Tuesday May 26 - Right now Pasco Police is investigating a serious injury collision at the intersection of Road 60 and Burns. The intersection will remain closed as detectives conduct a thorough investigation. Please use alternate routes.

05/27/2026

9:24 PM Tuesday May 26 - Right now Pasco Police is investigating a serious injury collision at the intersection of Road 60 and Burns. The intersection will remain closed as detectives conduct a thorough investigation. Please use alternate routes.

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day

Today we pay tribute to the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their selflessness and bravery will never be forgotten.

As we gather with family and friends, let’s take a moment to remember and honor the fallen heroes who gave their lives to protect our freedom and way of life.

THANK YOU

05/22/2026

DISTRICT 2 Community Meeting

Thursday - June 04, 2026 from 6 pm - 7 pm
Held at the Grange Hall - 6300 W Court St. #64 , Pasco, WA 99301

District 2 encompasses all residents west of 395 in the city. However, all community members are welcome, but focus will be on D2.

AGENDA:
• State of the District
• Crime Trends and Stats
• Q&A with Lt. Decker
• Presentation - Traffic Stops and Dangers
(This presentation is taken from the PD Citizen Academy block of instruction)

05/22/2026

DISTRICT 2 Business Watch Meeting

Tuesday - June 02, 2026 from 1 pm - 2 pm

Held at the Holiday Inn Express - 4525 Convention Place, Pasco WA 99301

District 2 encompasses all businesses west of 395 in the city. However, all businesses are welcome, but focus will be on D2.

AGENDA:
• State of the District
• Crime Trends and Stats
• Q&A with Lt. Decker
• Presentation – Traffic Stops and Dangers