E-Bike Laws and Safety Concerns in Spokane, Washington

The streets of Spokane have seen a significant rise in electric bikes, or e-bikes, over recent years. Whether commuters opting for a greener mode of transportation or thrill-seekers enjoying the freedom of riding in our city’s picturesque settings, e-bikes have become popular. But with this rise comes the need for riders to understand the laws governing e-bikes in Washington and take proper precautions to stay safe.

If you or someone you know has been involved in this type of bicycle accident in Eastern Washington, Spokane County, or anywhere in the state, continue reading as a bicycle accident attorney from Albrecht Law PLLC explains Washington’s e-bike laws, highlight safety tips, and shares how Albrecht Law PLLC can help with a bicycle accident claim.

A Personal Injury Attorney Explains Washington’s E-Bike Laws

Washington State law treats e-bikes differently from traditional bicycles, categorizing e-bikes into three distinct classes based on their speed capabilities and usage:

• Class 1 E-Bikes: Pedal-assist only, with a motor that stops assisting once the bike reaches 20 mph.
• Class 2 E-Bikes: Equipped with a throttle, reaching up to 20 mph without pedaling.
• Class 3 E-Bikes: Pedal-assist only with a higher speed, allowing assistance up to 28 mph.

Rules of the Road for E-Bikes

Washington law permits e-bikes to operate on roadways, bike lanes, and paths unless prohibited by local regulations. Riders must adhere to the following:

1. Helmet Use: Riders under 18 must wear helmets, and Spokane’s local ordinances encourage all riders to wear helmets for safety.
2. Age Restrictions: Class 3 e-bike operators must be at least 16.
3. Riding Areas: Some trails and natural areas prohibit e-bikes. Always check local rules before heading out.
4. Traffic Laws: Like car drivers, e-bike riders must obey all traffic signals, signs, and laws.

E-Bicycle Safety Concerns & How to Avoid Traumatic Events

E-bicyclists enjoy the speed and motorized assistance of e-bikes—qualities that differentiate them from a traditional bicycle. However, these characteristics also lead to higher safety concerns. This type of bicycle is uniquely vulnerable in an accident compared to a car, creating an urgency to wear helmets, use reflective gear, and stay vigilant in high-traffic areas. Additionally, always inspect your e-bike for any mechanical issues before riding.

Visibility remains one of the most significant challenges for e-bicycle riders. Adding lights and reflectors to your bike, especially during Spokane’s darker winter months, can reduce the chance of an e-bicycle collision. Be alert to drivers who may not anticipate e-bike speeds, and make your presence known on the road.

Common Causes of E-Bike Accidents in Spokane, Washington

Most bicycle accidents take place due to the following factors:

• Failure of other drivers to notice cyclists: Whether it’s due to distracted driving or poor visibility, drivers often fail to share the road appropriately.
• “Dooring”: Occurs when a rider collides with a suddenly opened car door. This type of crash is widespread in busy urban areas where cars park along the edge of traffic lanes.
• Accidents at stop signs: Conflicts over right-of-way can lead to collisions. Some drivers may not yield properly to cyclists, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters.
• Changing lanes: Improper lane changes may put cyclists in harm’s way when drivers merge without checking mirrors or blind spots. Proper awareness and adherence to traffic laws from all road users help prevent these incidents.

Common Bicycle Injuries in Washington State

Bicycle accidents, including those involving e-bikes, often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for cyclists. One common outcome is broken bones, as even a low-speed crash can cause significant fractures. Riders struck by vehicles may also face head injuries, internal trauma, or other debilitating conditions. Because recovery from such injuries can be lengthy and costly, victims should seek legal assistance from a bicycle accident attorney who can protect their rights and advocate for proper compensation.

What to Do After an E-Bike Accident

Despite taking every precaution, accidents happen. If you’re involved in an e-bike accident, it’s essential to act swiftly to protect your rights and strengthen your potential legal claim.

1. Prioritize Safety: Move to a safe area if possible and call emergency services if there are injuries.
2. Gather Information: Exchange contact information with any involved parties, including witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene, damage to your e-bike, and any visible injuries.
3. Contact Law Enforcement: File a police report, as this document can serve as vital evidence when pursuing compensation.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out. Head injuries and internal injuries can have delayed symptoms.
5. Contact an Experienced Attorney: Handling the legal aftermath of an e-bike accident can be complex. That’s where a bicycle accident lawyer from Albrecht Law can help.

Statute of Limitations for E-Bike Accident Claims in Washington

In Spokane Valley and throughout Washington, time is of the essence in bicycle accident cases. State law allows injured cyclists three years from the date of the bicycle accident crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could forfeit your ability to seek full compensation. Furthermore, evidence such as witness statements and video footage can become more challenging to collect as time passes, so act sooner rather than later.

Types of Compensation an Injured Cyclist Can Pursue in Washington State

After a Spokane bicycle accident or a bicycle accident anywhere in Washington, injured bicyclists can pursue compensation for the following:

Current and Future Medical Bills: These damages can cover costs such as hospital bills, physical therapy, surgeries, and necessary medical equipment.

Lost Wages: If the injuries prevent the cyclist from working, they may claim the income they missed due to their recovery period.

Pain and Suffering: These damages acknowledge the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident, addressing the lasting impact of the injuries on the individual’s quality of life.

Property Damage: Compensation to repair or replace their damaged bicycle and any other personal belongings affected in the crash.

Seeking Fair Compensation Requires Proving Negligence

According to Washington’s personal injury law, if someone else’s negligence caused your e-bike accident, you must prove it to claim compensation by establishing:

1. Duty of Care: The at-fault party owed a duty to act responsibly. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws and look out for cyclists.
2. Breach of Duty: You need to show that the other party violated this responsibility by running a red light or failing to yield.
3. Causation: Link their breach of duty to the accident that caused your injuries.
4. Damages: Provide evidence of your losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering.

Contact the Spokane Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Albrecht Law PLLC to Schedule a Free Legal Consultation

E-bike accidents can lead to serious injuries and complex legal battles. Whether dealing with insurance companies, calculating damages, or moving through the Washington court system, having an experienced law firm on your side can make all the difference.

At Albrecht Law PLLC, you are known. We are fully committed to providing the best service and top-quality results in a friendly, comfortable, and professional manner. We adapt to the circumstances with cutting-edge technology and the newest methods to seek the best results possible. While you focus on your recovery, we’ll deal with the insurance companies, conduct a thorough investigation, and pursue a fair settlement for your medical expenses and other damages, depending on the specific circumstances of your bike crash.

Contact us today at (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.

Do you want to know if you should pursue compensation for your injuries in the Spokane area? Take our FREE quiz now.

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Albrecht Law PLLC
5105 E 3rd Ave, Suite 101
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
(509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246
https://albrechtlawfirm.com/