The Spokane County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously in April to amend county parks regulations governing electric-assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles, power wheelchairs and conventional bikes—clarifying a long-standing ban on all motorized vehicles that included all electric bicycles at popular county park trail systems like Mica Peak, Beacon Hill and Camp Sekani. Under Washington State law, e-bikes fall into three classes, and the county’s new rules draw a firm line between them. Class 1 and Class 3 bikes—both pedal-assist only, topping out at 20 and 28 mph respectively, with Class 3 also requiring a speedometer—are now permitted wherever traditional bikes are allowed.
The county deliberately mirrored existing state park rules so riders don’t have to think about which jurisdiction they’re crossing into. Class 2 bikes—also referred to as electric motorcycles—which can be propelled by motor alone without pedaling, are prohibited outright. Getting caught riding one in a county park carries a $200 civil infraction for a first offense, with repeat violations bumping up to a misdemeanor. The changes came after Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf Director Doug Chase flagged growing concerns about trail congestion, public safety and trail damage as e-bike use on county land exploded over the past several years.
