Enumclaw council holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles

The Enumclaw City Council held a first reading on June 22 of Ordinance No. 2839, which would create a municipal code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles.

The city’s police chief presented the staff report, saying high-powered electric motorcycles and similar off-road devices have been increasingly operated on public streets, sidewalks and multi-use trails and that the Enumclaw Municipal Code currently lacks a clear category for these vehicles. The chief said the proposed ordinance would distinguish electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds based on power output, speed capability and design, restrict operation on sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless specifically authorized, and require compliance with state roadway laws where applicable. "This proposed ordinance is designed to complement, not conflict with, state law," the chief told council.

Staff described possible regulatory elements including equipment and safety requirements (helmets consistent with state law, lighting), operator requirements (valid driver’s license and age restrictions for roadway operation), enforcement tools ranging from warnings and citations to impoundment in repeat or egregious cases, and misdemeanor classifications for certain infractions. The staff report cited resident complaints about unsafe speeds, sidewalk operation and near-miss incidents and noted that recent state legislation has created a Department of Licensing work group with an October 2027 due date for state-level recommendations.

Council held this as a first reading; councilmembers may propose amendments at second reading. No final vote on the ordinance occurred at the June 22 meeting.