North Bend council delays ordinance on e‑motorcycles and scooters to October after extended debate

The North Bend City Council on Sept. 2 postponed consideration of an ordinance that would amend North Bend Municipal Code chapter 10.20 to regulate electric motorcycles and motorized scooters until a Sept. 23 work study and a full council meeting on Oct. 7.

City Community and Economic Development Director James Henderson presented the draft ordinance, telling the council the proposal would change the chapter title from “motorized scooters” to “motorized personal transportation devices,” add equipment and operational requirements for electric motorcycles consistent with RCW 46.61.705, require Washington State registration and a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, and make violations subject to monetary fines. The draft would also lower the minimum lawful age to operate motorized scooters from 16 to 12, reduce their top lawful speed from 25 mph to 15 mph, and allow scooter use on sidewalks. Henderson said the draft came in part from review of Issaquah’s work on similar devices.

Council members and residents pressed for clearer definitions and more outreach. Council member Christina Rustic said the proposal “supports the input of council and residents from a variety of perspectives” and indicated she would support the ordinance as drafted. Council member Heather Colon said she found the draft “confusing” and asked whether the city should create separate ordinances for e‑motorcycles and scooters. Council member Errol Tremolotta urged separate, clearly worded rules so families and children can easily understand what is regulated.

During audience participation, Michael Thomas, a North Bend resident, urged staff to add mapping of septic systems within 500 feet of proposed sidewalk projects to protect septic function and described safety concerns with high‑powered electric devices in bike lanes and crosswalks. Gary Fancher, another resident, had earlier urged the council to reconsider a proposed roundabout that he said could be used as a truck turnaround near a middle school; several council members cited that public comment as an example of why clearer rules and outreach are needed.

After extended discussion and multiple motions, the council voted to postpone the ordinance to the Sept. 23 work study so staff can bring revised language and more analysis, and to return the legislation to the Oct. 7 regular council meeting for action.

The postponement passed unanimously (6–0).