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Enumclaw council holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
At the June 22 meeting the council heard a staff report on Ordinance No. 2839, a first reading that would define "electric motorcycles," restrict their use on sidewalks, parks and multiuse trails, require licensing and safety equipment, and create enforcement tools; no final action was taken.
The Enumclaw City Council on June 22 held the first reading of Ordinance No. 2839, a proposed municipal code chapter that would define and regulate electric motorcycles and tighten enforcement options for unsafe operation.
City Chief (staff) told the council that the municipal code does not currently distinguish high-powered electric motorcycles from e-bikes or mopeds and that staff has received complaints from residents about "unsafe speeds in residential neighborhoods, operation on sidewalks and pedestrian pathways, noise concerns" and near-miss incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. "Staff have received complaints from residents regarding unsafe speeds in residential neighborhoods, operation on sidewalks and pedestrian pathways, noise concerns," the Chief said, recommending the council adopt a new code chapter to provide clarity for enforcement.
The staff report said the proposed ordinance would: create a definition that separates electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds based on power output and speed capability; prohibit operation on sidewalks, in parks and on multiuse trails unless specifically authorized; require lighting, safety equipment and helmets consistent with state law for roadway operation; and set operator requirements such as a valid driver’s license and age restrictions where appropriate. The ordinance would also establish enforcement options, ranging from warnings and citations to vehicle impoundment and misdemeanor classifications for repeat or egregious violations.
The Chief noted the ordinance is intended to complement—not conflict with—state law and cited recent state legislation prompting a Department of Licensing work group to develop statewide definitions and rules (staff referenced Senate Bill 6110 and a DOL workgroup with a due date in October 2027). The ordinance language has been reviewed by the city attorney’s office, the staff report said.
This was a first reading; councilmembers may propose amendments at second reading before any vote. The council did not take final action on Ordinance No. 2839 at the June 22 meeting.
