Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Electric Motorcycles topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council holds first reading of ordinance to regulate electric motorcycles
Summary
At first reading the council heard a staff report from the police chief proposing definitions and restrictions for high-powered electric motorcycles — distinguishing them from e‑bikes and mopeds — and recommending equipment, licensing and enforcement rules; the item will return for a later vote.
The Enumclaw City Council on June 22 held the first reading of Ordinance 2839, which would create a municipal code chapter defining and regulating electric motorcycles.
City staff, speaking through the police chief, told the council the ordinance responds to a regulatory gap: high-powered electric dirt bikes and similar vehicles are increasingly used on streets, sidewalks and multi-use trails and current municipal and state classifications do not clearly regulate them. The chief said staff recommended distinguishing electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds by power output and speed capability and restricting operation on sidewalks, parks and multi-use trails unless specifically authorized.
The staff report recommended operator and equipment requirements: helmets consistent with state law, lighting and minimum safety equipment for roadway use, a driver's-license requirement for roadway operation, age limits where appropriate, and enforcement options that include warnings, citations and vehicle impoundment for egregious or repeat violations. The chief also noted the city's attorney reviewed the proposed language for consistency with state law.
Staff referenced recent state action and a Department of Licensing work group: "The passage of gross substitute senate bill 61 10 has established a need for a department of licensing work group to commence working on state regulations for electric motorcycles with a due date of October 2027," the chief said. Councilmembers were reminded this is the first reading; no final action or vote on adoption occurred on June 22.
The ordinance text was read by the city clerk and will return for additional council consideration at a later hearing; councilmembers may offer amendments before a second reading.
