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Mercer Island council advances ordinance to restrict unpermitted electric motorcycles after months of safety complaints
Summary
Council scheduled a second reading for an ordinance that would ban unregistered electric motorcycles and bar operation by people under 16 or without a motorcycle endorsement; public commenters and staff highlighted repeated unsafe riding in parks, on trails and near schools.
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…
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