Seattle to Olympia by E-Bike: A Ride Against the Proposed E-Bike Tax
This morning, Sara Morimoto and Harrison Jerome hopped on their e-bikes and pointed south, kicking off an 80-mile ride from Seattle to Olympia—not for fun, but for a cause. Their goal? To show up at the Washington State House and push back against a proposed 10% sales tax on e-bikes.
Their bikes are decked out with handmade signs that read “No E-Bike Tax” and “Fix SB 5801,” a bill recently passed by the Senate that includes the controversial surcharge. It’s not law yet—the House and Governor still need to sign off—but the clock is ticking. A public hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, and action could come as early as Wednesday.
Why This Ride Matters
This ride isn’t just symbolic—it’s personal. The proposed tax would hit riders and bike shops hard, especially at a time when the industry is already feeling the squeeze from federal tariffs. For many, e-bikes are more than a trendy alternative; they’re a key part of how we move around cities and towns efficiently and affordably.
Washington’s bike shops are already dealing with economic uncertainty. Adding a state-level surcharge could tip the balance for some. These shops aren’t just retailers—they’re part of the transportation ecosystem, right up there with buses, trains, and roads.
How You Can Take Action
Not everyone has the time—or the quads—to ride to Olympia. But that doesn’t mean you’re sidelined. You can still:
- Submit testimony online before the hearing
- Sign the Transportation Choices Coalition action alert
- Share this story and get others fired up about what’s at stake
The Reality of a Long-Distance E-Bike Ride
E-bikes are ideal for city commutes, errand runs, and neighborhood rides. A cross-county journey like this one? That’s another story.
With roughly 80 miles to cover and around 1,000 feet of elevation, they’ll likely need to stop and recharge at least once. While running out of battery on an e-bike isn’t as bad as in a car—you can still pedal—they’re heavier and more sluggish without assist. And though there are shorter routes via ferry, those come with steeper climbs, which drain batteries even faster.
Still, it’s doable—and the symbolism of showing up in Olympia on two wheels? That’s powerful.
If you want to follow their journey in real time, check out L. Harrison Jerome’s Bluesky account for updates.
Let’s Keep E-Bikes Accessible
Washington has the chance to invest in sustainable transportation without penalizing the people and businesses leading that charge. Let’s make sure our voices are heard before this bill becomes reality.
Don’t let a tax slow the momentum of e-bikes in Washington. Sign the petition, submit your testimony, and help keep e-bikes affordable for all.
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