Spokane County approves code changes to allow some e-bikes in parks

Spokane County commissioners voted unanimously April 14 to amend Spokane County Code chapter 6.14 to add definitions and regulations for electric bicycles, motorcycles, power wheelchairs and bicycles, moving the county from a blanket prohibition toward limited allowances for certain e-bike classes.

Parks staff said the proposed code would explicitly add state-defined e-bike classes (class 1, 2 and 3), define e-motorcycles and wheelchairs, and create an enforcement framework. Julia (parks staff) told commissioners the draft ordinance includes a $200 civil infraction for a first offense and a misdemeanor for a subsequent offense, and it would give the parks director limited authority to close specific trails for maintenance or safety reasons.

Why it matters: County staff framed the amendments as a pragmatic update to an older code that treats all motorized devices as vehicles and therefore prohibited. Officials cited 2018 state legislation that allowed jurisdictions to set local e-bike guidelines and noted growing e-bike use by residents. Staff emphasized education and voluntary compliance—trailhead signage, stickers, a short educational video and in-field park aides—before enforcement is relied on.

The debate focused on class 2 e-bikes, which have a throttle-based mode. Resident Phil Bridal testified that some class 2 bikes are lower-powered, help seniors and people with mobility limits, and do not inherently damage trails. Bridal said throttles can increase accessibility and suggested speed limits and targeted enforcement for reckless riders instead of a blanket ban. Parks staff and commissioners acknowledged variation within class 2 models and said the county may study whether a subcategory or exception is appropriate in the future but recommended initially allowing class 1 and class 3 while keeping class 2 prohibited pending further research.

Staff also described coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions and state parks so users moving between lands encounter consistent rules. The parks advisory committee met in December and unanimously recommended proceeding with the presented policy.

What happens next: The board approved the amendment as a policy change on a unanimous vote. Staff said they will implement outreach materials (trailhead signs, stickers, brochures and an online video), continue monitoring impacts, and return with updates if emerging e-bike technologies require further code revisions.

Attributions: Quotes and specific testimony in this article are taken from the meeting transcript and attributed to speakers identified in the transcript (Julia; Doug; Phil Bridal; and commissioners).