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Snoqualmie holds first reading of electric‑motorcycle ordinance; council narrows passenger rule
Summary
At first reading, council reviewed a proposed ordinance to define and regulate electric motorcycles in Snoqualmie, debated the 28 mph language and passenger restrictions, and adopted an amendment allowing passengers only on vehicles specifically designed by the manufacturer for two riders.
The Snoqualmie City Council held the first reading on Nov. 24 of an ordinance to add municipal rules for electric motorcycles, including definitions, operating limits, helmet and registration requirements, and penalties.
Interim Chief Haracey described the proposed code language to distinguish electric motorcycles from pedal‑assisted e‑bikes and to set equipment and operation standards. “Electric motorcycles are not legal to operate unless they meet certain requirements,” the interim chief said, summarizing the ordinance’s scope.
What the ordinance would do: The draft ordinance would add Snoqualmie Municipal Code chapter 10.36 to define electric motorcycles (motor output above a wattage threshold and continued assistance beyond certain speeds), require Washington State registration and appropriate motorcycle‑level helmets, and prohibit operation on sidewalks, trails and in parks. The draft also authorizes police discretion to impound unregistered devices and treats infractions as traffic violations or civil penalties rather than criminal charges.
Council debate and edits: Council members focused on two drafting issues: the phrasing around the vehicle providing assistance at 28 miles per hour and whether any electric motorcycle should be allowed to carry a passenger. A proposed wording change replacing “reaches” 28 mph with “exceeds/over” 28 mph failed in a preliminary vote. Council then adopted an amendment to allow a passenger only when the vehicle is “specifically designed by the manufacturer” for two riders; the amendment passed unanimously.
Next steps: Staff will return with cleaned‑up draft language and clarifications requested by council — including a clearer definition of “original manufacturer” and scrivener corrections noted in the definition section — for a second reading on Dec. 8 with anticipated final action.
Attribution: The article is based on statements by Interim Chief Haracey and council members during the Nov. 24 council roundtable.
