Bonney Lake examines stricter rules for e-bikes, dirt bikes after Sky Island summer surge

Bonney Lake ' City leaders and police described growing public-safety concerns about powerful, illegally configured e-bikes and dirt bikes in neighborhoods such as Sky Island and public spaces including Allen York Park during the council's June 2 open-discussion portion.

Police briefing: The police chief told the council that officers have increased patrols and made multiple traffic stops in response to recent incidents, including large gatherings at parks and reports of unsafe riding. The chief said some stops followed vehicle pursuits elsewhere in the city and that officers subsequently emphasized patrols in the affected neighborhoods.

Planned enforcement and ordinance work: The chief said the department is drafting an ordinance that would allow seizure of e-bikes that are not street legal and would create mechanisms to hold parents accountable for juvenile riders when state law does not permit local seizure or stronger enforcement. The department is also coordinating with schools and planning social-media education for parents.

Council reaction and public comments: Council members expressed support for exploring legislative fixes while acknowledging enforcement risks (pursuing juveniles at high speed can create hazards). Residents thanked officers for increased presence and urged continued emphasis patrols in problem neighborhoods; some asked about identification measures that would allow officers to later identify vehicles without engaging in risky pursuits.

Next steps: Police will continue emphasis patrols, pursue an ordinance draft for council consideration, and work with community stakeholders on prevention and education measures.

The council then moved to other business.