Spokane Valley, WA Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)
Key Facts
- Class definitions source
- RCW 46.04.169 (adopted by reference)
- Minimum operating age
- 16 years old
- Trail speed cap
- 15 mph, Appleway/Centennial Trails
- Street speed cap
- 25 mph unless in bike lane
- Standard fine
- $50.00 traffic infraction
Summary
Spokane Valley does not split riding rules by e-bike class. SVMC § 9.20.020 borrows the state's class 1, 2, and 3 definitions from RCW 46.04.169, then § 9.20.040 and § 9.20.050 apply the same age, helmet, lighting, and street rules to all three classes as one 'motorized personal transportation device' category, including a 25-mph street cap unless riding in a designated bike lane.
C. "Electric-assisted bicycle," "class 1 electric-assisted bicycle," "class 2 electric-assisted bicycle," and "class 3 electric-assisted bicycle" shall have the meanings as set forth in RCW 46.04.169 as now adopted or hereafter amended. ... F. "Motorized personal transportation device" shall be a motorized device for personal transportation deemed to include motorized foot scooters, motorized skateboards, pocket motorcycles, class 1, class 2, and class 3 electric-assisted bicycles, and all other similar devices... A. Minimum Age. No person shall operate a motorized personal transportation device on a street, alley, or other public area unless such person is 16 years of age or older. ... D. Certain Streets. It is unlawful for any person to operate or ride a motorized personal transportation device on any street with a speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour, except within designated bike lanes on such streets.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 9.20 SVMC regulates 'motorized personal transportation devices,' a term that § 9.20.020(F) expressly defines to include 'class 1, class 2, and class 3 electric-assisted bicycles' alongside motorized foot scooters, motorized skateboards, and pocket motorcycles. Rather than writing its own class distinctions, § 9.20.020(C) borrows the class 1/2/3 definitions straight from state law, RCW 46.04.169. Because all three classes fall under the same local umbrella term, they share identical operating rules: § 9.20.040(A) sets a minimum age of 16 to operate on any street, alley, or public area; § 9.20.040(D) requires a front lamp visible 500 feet and a rear reflector visible 600 feet; and § 9.20.040(F) requires a working rear brake.
Helmets are required under § 9.20.040(C) only for devices 'propelled by an internal combustion engine,' so an electric class 1-3 bike itself does not trigger that clause. Where riders may go is also uniform: § 9.20.050(B) bars all such devices from sidewalks unless electric-motor-equipped and the street has no bike lane, capped at 10 mph; § 9.20.050(C) allows electric devices on the Appleway and Centennial Trails at up to 15 mph; and § 9.20.050(D) bars operation on any street posted above 25 mph except inside a designated bike lane.
Violating Chapter 9.20 SVMC is a traffic infraction carrying a $50.00 penalty under § 9.20.080, with riders under 16 referred to Spokane County juvenile justice instead.
Violations & Fines
Operating a class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike in violation of Chapter 9.20 SVMC, on a banned sidewalk, over 25 mph without a bike lane, or under age 16, is a traffic infraction carrying a $50.00 penalty under § 9.20.080. Conduct that also breaks a rule of the road can be charged separately at that offense's own maximum penalty, and riders under 16 are referred to Spokane County juvenile justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spokane Valley treat class 3 e-bikes differently from class 1 or 2?
How old must you be to ride an e-bike on Spokane Valley streets?
Can e-bikes use the Appleway and Centennial Trails?
What is the fine for breaking the e-bike rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane Valley
Compare Spokane Valley to another location·View the Washington mobility & curb rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.