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Spokane Valley, WA Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 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

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. 169. 040(F) requires a working rear brake. 040(C) only for devices 'propelled by an internal combustion engine,' so an electric class 1-3 bike itself does not trigger that clause. 050(D) bars operation on any street posted above 25 mph except inside a designated bike lane. 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?
No. SVMC § 9.20.020(F) lumps all three classes into one 'motorized personal transportation device' category, so § 9.20.040 and § 9.20.050 apply the same age, equipment, and location rules to each.
How old must you be to ride an e-bike on Spokane Valley streets?
16, under § 9.20.040(A); a citation for a rider younger than that is referred to the Spokane County juvenile justice system per § 9.20.080.
Can e-bikes use the Appleway and Centennial Trails?
Yes, at up to 15 mph, under the electric-motor exception in § 9.20.050(C); the section separately governs the two named public trails.
What is the fine for breaking the e-bike rules?
A standard $50.00 traffic infraction under § 9.20.080, unless the conduct also amounts to a separate criminal traffic offense, which carries its own higher penalty.

Sources & Official References

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