Issaquah's City Council on Dec. 1 adopted two ordinances to define and regulate electric-assisted bicycles and electric motorcycles, and to modernize the city's impoundment and abandoned-vehicle code. The measures were presented to the council after discussion in the Services, Safety and Parks Committee and public comment.

Chief Schwann and staff explained the administration's goals: give officers tools to stop dangerous operation, clarify where different classes of e-bikes may be used, tailor penalties to educate guardians and riders, and allow impound or pickup procedures that support education rather than automatic tow fees. The proposed e-motorcycle definition targets motorized two-wheel vehicles without operable pedals or that exceed 750 watts or continue to assist above 28 mph; e-bike classes follow state RCW conventions (Class 1, 2 and 3).

Parks Director Jeff Watling clarified the administration's intent that Class 1 and 2 e-bikes remain allowed on most park valley-floor and shared-use paths (for example, Rainier Trail), and that any park prohibition would be rare and reviewed case-by-case. Council debate centered on whether to give the parks director specific authority to prohibit Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on parks, pedestrian pathways, or shared-use paths. Councilmember Nichols and others worried that class 1/2 e-bikes should be treated similarly to non-electric bicycles and that unilateral director authority might be unnecessary. The council adopted an amendment deleting sections 10.48.030 and 10.48.040a (the clauses that would have given that explicit ban authority) by a 6-0 vote.

After the amendment, the council adopted the ordinances (new Chapter 10.48 and amendments to Chapter 10.34 on impoundment and notice) to clarify definitions, allowed locations for each class, penalties, and updated impound procedures. Council members asked staff to continue coordinating regional consistency and to include educational outreach for guardians and youth.