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Issaquah council adopts e-bike and e-motorcycle rules but removes parks director's unilateral ban for Class 1–2 e-bikes
Summary
Council approved two ordinances to define and regulate electric-assisted bicycles and e-motorcycles and modernize impound provisions, but amended the code to remove language that would have given the parks director authority to prohibit Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on parks and some pedestrian ways.
Issaquah's City Council on Dec. 1 adopted two ordinances to regulate electric-assisted bicycles and electric motorcycles and to modernize impoundment rules, but lawmakers amended the measure to remove language that would have given the Parks and Community Services Director authority to prohibit Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on certain city parks and pathways.
Chief Schwann presented the administration's proposal: two ordinances—one creating a new chapter (10.48 IMC) to define e-motorcycles and e-bike classes and specify operation rules, and another updating Chapter 10.34 (abandoned and unauthorized vehicles) to allow impound and in-person pickup at the police station under defined circumstances. The administration copied RCW-derived class definitions: Class 1 e-bikes provide motor assistance only when pedaling and stop assistance at 20 mph; Class 2 can be throttle-powered to 20 mph; Class 3 provides assistance up to 28 mph when pedaling. The administration defined an e-motorcycle to capture machines without operable pedals, with motors above 750 watts, or where the motor continues to assist beyond 28 mph.
Chief Schwann said the changes are intended to give officers tools for stops, education and tailored penalties, and to mirror neighboring-city approaches. Parks Director Jeff Watling clarified that the drafters intended Class 1 and 2 e-bikes to remain broadly allowed in parks and shared-use paths and that prohibition authority would be reserved for rare circumstances (for example, pedestrian gathering spaces where dismount is required).
Council Member Nichols moved to delete IMC sections 10.48.030 and 10.48.040a, which would have given the parks director authority to ban Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on city parks, open space and pedestrian pathways; Council debated enforcement consequences and regional consistency. Legal staff said the code currently lacks explicit parks-director authority to ban bicycles generally, and the deleted language would have created a specific enforcement route; removing it limits formal ticketing authority but does not prevent posting signs or other administrative actions.
The amendment passed 6–0. After the amendment the council adopted both ordinances as amended, with a final unanimous vote (6–0).
Public commenters had urged the council to focus enforcement on unsafe behavior and to avoid broad prohibitions that could push pedal-assist riders into streets. The ordinances as adopted include tailored penalties, impound rules that allow prompt guardian pickup at the police station, and an administration pledge to continue regional coordination and education.
The ordinances take effect under the normal codification schedule; staff said they will continue outreach and consider a consolidated parks code in the coming year to clarify delegated authorities and enforcement processes.
