Snoqualmie police outline enforcement challenges for high‑powered e‑dirt bikes, recommend code updates and outreach before summer

Snoqualmie police told the Public Safety Committee Tuesday that high‑powered electric “dirt bikes” and modified e‑bikes present enforcement and safety challenges not fully covered by current state law or the city’s existing municipal code.

Police Chief Lynch described three statutorily defined electric‑assisted bicycle classes limited to 750 watts, but said many off‑road electric dirt bikes exceed that limit — "These things cannot be legal anywhere unless you take them to a department of licensing facility," Lynch said, adding that some motors can reach roughly 6,000 watts and speeds of about 50 miles per hour. Lynch told the committee that many of the operators are underage and lack driver training or licenses.

Chief Lynch reviewed Snoqualmie Municipal Code 10.35 (wheeled recreational devices), passed in 2006, and said the ordinance and enforcement practices are outdated for the newer, higher‑powered devices. He reported the department logged 25 calls for service related to e‑bikes and scooters in 2024, and that the city's written code still references a $50 impound/administrative cost that does not cover current towing and storage expenses. The department said the typical tow charge from the contracted vendor is $378 and that the city lacks adequate storage arrangements for impounded electric bikes, some of which can cost thousands of dollars.

Committee members discussed enforcement options and alternatives to criminalizing juveniles. Council member Christiansen said she favored measures that hold parents accountable without immediately criminalizing the child, suggesting “parent and child” traffic school or supervised community service. Council member Cotton proposed raising fines to cover city costs but offsetting the fees with parent/child community service through organizations such as Green Snoqualmie.

Legal and logistics issues identified by staff include: a possible misdemeanor penalty in current code that would require court processing for juveniles, the absence of insurance requirements for certain vehicles in state law, helmet requirements in city code, and liability risks if the city impounds and stores high‑value equipment.

Staff recommendations and next steps: the police department and city attorney will draft updated code language and implement public outreach; staff aim to have any ordinance or administrative changes in place by April so the public is aware before summer. The committee also discussed adding signage in parks and along the parkway prohibiting motorized bicycles in high‑pedestrian areas.