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Council holds first reading of electric-motorcycle ordinance to clarify rules and enforcement
Summary
At first reading, staff told the council the proposed ordinance would define electric motorcycles separately from e-bikes and mopeds, restrict sidewalk and trail use, set equipment and operator requirements, and create enforcement tools; staff cited resident complaints and recent state action directing a licensing work group.
The Enumclaw City Council heard a staff presentation and held a first reading of Ordinance No. 2839 on June 22, a municipal-code proposal to define and regulate electric motorcycles.
The Police Chief told the council the proposed code would distinguish electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds by power output, speed capability and design, prohibit their operation on sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless explicitly authorized, and require compliance with roadway vehicle laws where they are used on public streets. The staff memo noted riders often lack proper licensing, registration or safety equipment and that many operators are juveniles or unlicensed.
The staff report said the ordinance would impose equipment and operator requirements (including headlights and other safety equipment and helmet rules consistent with state law), age and licensing expectations for roadway operation, and a graduated enforcement regime allowing warnings, citations and, in repeated or egregious cases, impoundment.
Staff also noted a recent state legislative action (a substitute Senate bill referenced in the staff report) that directed a Department of Licensing work group to develop state-level regulations for electric motorcycles with a due date of October 2027; the ordinance is intended to fill local regulatory gaps while coordinating with upcoming state guidance. The Police Chief said staff recommended adoption to enhance public safety and enforceability.
This was a first reading; the council may amend language at second reading. No vote to adopt the ordinance occurred at this session.
