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Enumclaw holds first reading of electric‑motorcycle ordinance to clarify rules and enforcement
Summary
At first reading, staff recommended a new municipal chapter (Ordinance No. 2839) to define electric motorcycles, restrict their use on sidewalks and trails, require safety equipment and establish enforcement tools; the police chief said state guidance is forthcoming and recommended local rules to close gaps.
The Enumclaw City Council on June 22 held a first reading of Ordinance No. 2839, a proposed municipal code chapter defining and regulating electric motorcycles.
City staff and the police chief told the council that high-powered electric motorcycles and dirt bikes are increasingly being operated on city streets, sidewalks and multi‑use trails. The chief said those vehicles are often marketed as off‑road devices but are used on public ways, creating ambiguity for riders, law enforcement and the community.
"This regulatory gap creates ambiguity for riders, law enforcement, and the community regarding where and how these vehicles may be lawfully operated," the chief said in the staff report, noting complaints about unsafe speeds, sidewalk operation and near misses involving pedestrians.
The proposed ordinance would: define electric motorcycles and distinguish them from e‑bikes and mopeds by power output and speed capability; prohibit their operation on sidewalks, parks and multi‑use trails unless specifically authorized; require helmets consistent with state law; require lighting and minimum safety equipment for roadway use; set operator requirements (including a valid driver's license for roadway operation and age restrictions where appropriate); and establish enforcement options ranging from warnings to citations and, in repeat or egregious cases, impoundment.
Staff said the ordinance is designed to complement state law rather than conflict with it; the chief referenced recent state legislation and a Department of Licensing workgroup with an October 2027 deadline to develop state definitions and guidance. In the meantime, staff recommended the council adopt local rules to provide clearer enforcement authority and protect pedestrians.
This was a first reading by title only; no vote to adopt the ordinance occurred on June 22. Councilmembers may propose amendments at second reading.
