Council scheduled a second reading of an ordinance aimed at curbing unsafe use of electric motorcycles and “e dirt bikes” after residents described near-misses, high-speed riding and aggressive behavior by youths. The council set the ordinance for a future meeting and asked staff to tighten language and continue outreach.

Why it matters: City staff and police said current state law does not clearly address newer electric motorcycle–style vehicles that exceed 750 watts or provide motor assistance past 28 mph. Council and staff argued local rules are needed now to provide enforcement tools, protect pedestrians and give parents an education and compliance pathway while the city pursues longer-term state law changes.

City staff presented draft ordinance 25C-24, which would add a Mercer Island definition of “electric motorcycle,” bar operation by people under 16 and by anyone without a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, require state registration and a license plate, and prohibit operation on sidewalks, pedestrian paths and in parks. The draft also makes repeated violations civil infractions with escalating fines ($250 first, $500 second, $750 third) and directs staff to create impound, storage and retrieval procedures if the ordinance is adopted. Management analyst Amelia Chaden told the council officers encounter many vehicles that are marketed as e-bikes but exceed legal e-bike power or speed limits and so are not legal on roads without registration.

Public commenters described multiple incidents of high-speed riding in neighborhood streets, through park grassy areas and on narrow trails near First Hill Park and Mercerdale Park. “This confusion, I think is putting people at risk,” said Debbie Gerstel, a Mercer Island resident, asking the city for clearer rules, signage and enforcement. Norma Bergquist and others described instances where youths raced downhill at speeds they estimated at 40 mph, nearly colliding with park users and vehicles. Resident Ashley Klein described administering first aid after a teenager crashed and urged school-based education.

Staff said two enforcement problems limit current responses: Mercer Island Municipal Court can only adjudicate juvenile cases for defendants 16 and older; cases for younger juveniles must be routed to King County, which staff said is unlikely to prioritize minor e-motorcycle violations. Staff also said state statutory definitions of “motorcycle” do not reflect the new class of off-road–style electric motorcycles sold online and sometimes modified to remove speed limiters, which complicates enforcement and prosecution.

Robbie Cunningham Adams, manager’s office senior analyst, said staff and the Association of Washington Cities are preparing a legislative strategy to modernize state definitions and consumer labeling at point of sale. Meanwhile, the proposed local code change is intended as a stop-gap to give police a civil enforcement tool and to make parental notification and vehicle retrieval available.

The council asked staff to clarify wording (for example, to ensure a vehicle that is registered but lacks a plate is still disallowed), to recheck age/endorsement phrasing, and to review park rules that distinguish where bicycles and motorized devices may operate. Council members stressed they want to avoid unintentionally limiting lawful commuters or recreational riders while addressing the reported reckless behavior. Council Member Casper Weinberg moved to schedule second reading; Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum seconded. The motion passed on a voice/roll-call vote and the ordinance will return for further review and adoption scheduling.

Next steps: Staff will refine the draft for second reading, set up an impoundment and retrieval procedure, continue outreach and education with schools and the community, and pursue state legislative changes through AWC to address definitions and merchant labeling.