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Council hears first reading of electric-motorcycle ordinance to clarify enforcement
Summary
Police staff presented Ordinance No. 2839 to define and regulate high-powered electric motorcycles, restrict sidewalk and trail use, require safety equipment and create enforcement options; the ordinance completed a first reading and will return for further council consideration.
City staff presented the first reading of Ordinance No. 2839 on June 22, proposing a new municipal-code chapter to define and regulate electric motorcycles inside Enumclaw.
The Police Chief told council that higher-powered electric motorcycles and dirt bikes are increasingly used on public streets, sidewalks and multiuse trails, creating enforcement ambiguity and safety concerns. “Currently, Enumclaw Municipal Code does not specifically address electric motorcycles as a distinct vehicle category,” the Chief said, explaining the regulatory gap and staff complaints about unsafe speeds and sidewalk operation.
The proposed ordinance, as described by staff, would distinguish electric motorcycles from e-bikes and mopeds using criteria such as power output, speed capability and design; prohibit operation on sidewalks, parks and multiuse trails unless specifically authorized; and require equipment and operator standards for roadway use, including helmets, lighting and a valid driver's license when applicable. It would also establish a graduated enforcement approach allowing warnings, citations and vehicle impoundment in repeat or egregious cases.
Staff noted state rulemaking is underway: a Department of Licensing work group formed under recent legislation (staff referenced Senate Bill 6110) is due to produce guidance by October 2027. The ordinance is written to complement, not conflict with, state law, and the city attorney's office has reviewed the language for statutory consistency, staff said. The Police Chief recommended the council adopt a new municipal chapter to enhance safety and clarify enforcement authority.
This was the ordinance's first reading; no vote to adopt was taken. Councilmembers were reminded that second-reading comments and amendments can be made at a later meeting before final action.
