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Council holds first reading of ordinance to define and regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
On first reading, Enumclaw staff presented an ordinance to define 'electric motorcycles' and restrict their use on sidewalks and trails, propose equipment and operator requirements, and align municipal rules with state-level work on e-motorcycles slated for October 2027.
Enumclaw staff presented Ordinance No. 2,839 for a first reading on June 22, proposing a new municipal code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles and address safety and enforcement gaps.
City clerk Jessica read the ordinance title by council direction. A staff member identified in the transcript as the "Chief" told the council that high-powered electric dirt bikes and similar vehicles are increasingly operated on streets, sidewalks and multiuse trails, creating ambiguous enforcement conditions because current municipal code does not clearly differentiate them from e-bikes or mopeds. The Chief said the proposed ordinance would “define electric motorcycles, establishing a clear definition distinguishing electric motorcycles from e bikes and mopeds based on power output, speed capability and design,” and would restrict operation on sidewalks, parks and multiuse trails unless expressly authorized.
The staff report listed several elements of the proposal: equipment and safety requirements (helmets and lighting consistent with state law), operator requirements including valid driver’s license for roadway operation, age restrictions where appropriate, and enforcement options ranging from warnings to impoundment for repeat or egregious violations. The Chief said the city attorney reviewed the language to ensure it complements — and does not conflict with — state law, and cited state legislative activity (in the transcript, “gross substitute senate bill 61 10”) and a Department of Licensing work group with an October 2027 due date.
Why it matters: Council members were presented with a municipal approach intended to close enforcement gaps and make it clearer when these higher‑powered electric vehicles are subject to roadway rules and when they should be prohibited from sidewalks and trails. The ordinance is at first reading; no adoption vote occurred on June 22.
Next steps: Because this was a first reading, council may propose amendments before a second reading and formal adoption at a future meeting.
